PR 5021 
.n63 M3 
Copy 1 



TURNER'S AlkHRlCAV STAGS. 

MAZEPPA; 

OR, THE 

WIIrD MORSE OF iTARTARYi 

A ROMANTIC DRAMA, 

IN THfeEE ACTS, 
DRAMATIZED rilO-^ LORD BVRON's i'0&9t« 

• By rir; M. MILNER^ 

Andizdaptid'to the Stage under the direction of 

MR, rucRdvv. 



PRINTED FROM THfe ACTING COPT, 

ith a Description of the Costurtiei Cast of Charactetis, atid thfi 
w>iole of the Stage Business, 

AS NOW PERFORMED IN THE 

LONDON AND AMERICAN THEATRES. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
TURNEil & SON, 244 RACE STREET; 

AND 

k H. LENFESTEY, 98 NORTII SIXTH STREET; 
And sold at kll the principal Dr&tnatie Repositories in Arafetici 






,''^hm^^ 



REMARKS. 

Lord Byron is a great and an original genius ; he has a 
depth of thought and a force of expression that are truly admi- 
rable. In aiming at too much conciseness, he is often harsh 
and obscure, while his artificial pauses, his rapid and some- 
times unnaturnl transitions, give to his poetry an air of pedan- 
try and affectation. Upon many occasions he is exquisitely 
simple and pathetic ; his simile of the Kashmeer Butteijiii, and 
that line passage, "He who hath bent him o'er the dead," can- 
not easily be paralleled. But it is in " Childe Harold,, (the 
greatest of all his works,) that the genius of Lord Byron 
shines most conspicuous — his lamentations over the ruins of 
Greece, his passionate exliortations to spare the last .elics of 
her ancient grandeur, and his just and generous indignation 
against our modern vandal, for despoiling her of what the bar- 
barians themselves held sacred, are the very soul of pathos 
and poetry. In pioportion as we admire exalted genius, we 
lament its wanton prostitution : the mass of ob.>cenlty and 
profaneness which Lord Byron has bequeathed tu posterity is 
now become a question between him and his Creator. He 
lived too long for his own fame —we cannot say " Pie should 
have died hereafter, " unless (like Lord Rochester) it h^-d been 
to leave on record his deep contrition for having poisoned the 
minds of future generations. The following character of Lord 
Byron as a poet, was written before he had inflicted upon 
the world that witty, but scandalously immoal work, •' Don 
Juan. ,"" — 

"The town is pleas'd when Byron will reliearse, 
And find a thousand beauties in his verse ; 
So fix'd iiis fame, that write whate Ci he will, 
'J'he patient public must admire it stih ; 

. Yes,— though bereft of half his force p-nd ne. 
They still must read — and, dozing, must admire', 
While you and I, who stick to common sense, 
To genius, taste, and wit, have no pretence, 
ThrouL'liout the whole we toil to understand 
Where'er we tread — 'tis strange, 'lis foreign land ; 
Way. half the thoughts and language of the strain 
Require a g'ossary to mal;e ihem plain. 
Beauties there are, which, c;tndour bids me own, 
Atone for these — for more than these atone , 
Beauties whlcb e'en the coldest must admire — 
Ciuick, high wrousht passion — true poeitc fiire — 
Bold energetic language — thoughts snb'ime — 
And all the artful cadences of rhyme." 

The story of Mazeppa we learn from two sources — Yotaire's' 
History of Charles Xil., and )-h esur's 'Histoire des Kciaqluei.y 



!lfx)rd Byron has rendered it familiar to every reader of poetry; 
— Mazeppa is introduced relating his romantic adventures to 
the royal Swede, after the Battle of Pullo wa. 'J'he vanquished 
monarch, w^ounded and reclined at the foot of a tree, surroun-. 
ded by his warriors, had singled out the brave 'J'artar and his 
steed as objects of peculiar admiration for their prowess in, 
"pricking over flood or field," when lAIazeppa, remembering 
the school in which he had acquired his skill in horsemanship, 
drops an expression that raises the curiosity of Charles, who 
puts to the "old Hettman" a question that produces the reci- 
tal. Lord 13yron confines his narrative to AJazeppa's intrigui? 
with the beautifnl young wife of a Polish count, the discovery^ 
of their amours, the revenge of the jealous husband, who sen- 
tences the 'J'artar to be la.shed to the back of a wild horse, 
and left to his fate— the description of that perilous journey, 
his rescue by the Cossacks, and subsequent good fortune. All 
these are told in Byron's wonted strain of eloquence and pas- 
sion. The story winds up with a versification of the ancient 
motto, "nit desperaiidum." 

Mazeppa has found his \vay to the stage, with the accompa- 
niments of appropiate scenery, alternately savage and splen- 
did; gallant knights and ladies fair; banquets, tournaments, 
and real horses. The story has been considerably varied and 
amplified, to bring these powerful auxiliaries into full play; 
and an imposing spectacle is the result. Olinska, daughter 
of the Castellan, is. belpved by Mazeppa, who passes un- 
der the name of Cassimir. Her father has, however, provided 
a more substantial suitor, in the person of the Count Palatine ; 
who, being too magiricent a potentate to leave his palace and 
lay his coronet at her feet, until his proposals be duly accept- 
ed, despatches an envoy to propitiate her by proxy. The lady 
reluctantly consents— the diadem is placed on her head — she 
ascends the nuptial car, when the delighted Count, drawing 
aside the curtain, welcomes his beautiful intended, and in flat- 
tering terms explains the cause of his appearance, at once so 
unexbected and gallant. On the eve of the marriage. Ma- 
zappa secretly enters the chamber of the Count, defies him to 
single combat— a battle ensues— the Count is wounded, Ma- 
zeppa retreats, an alarm is given, he is taken, and the Castel- 
lan determines to make him an example of signal vengeance. 
Be orders the vile Tartar to be stripped, the fiery untamed 
Steed is led forth, Mazeppa is fast bound to his back, Olinska 
Implores pity for hink-, but in vain ; and the wild horse, amids| 



the glare of torches- savage shouts, and beacon-fires, is sud- 
denly released. He dashes up mountains, down precipices 
fords rivers, devoting his unhappy rider to scorching suns, 
piercing blasts, devouring hunger, and parching thirst. Savage 
wolves follow in quick pursuit, and threaten to rend him piece- 
meal — and a vulture hovers over his head, impatient for its 
expected prey. After an accumulation of iiorrors, they reach 
'I'artary. The affrighted peasants, beholding the wild horse, 
furiously pursuing its course, take it for the Volpas, which, ac- 
cording to a popular superstition, is a demon form that wirls 
across the wilds of Tartary, forboding death and desolation. 
A thunderbolt strikes a tree, which lalls to the ground— at this 
moment the fiery steed sinks down exhausted — .Mazeppa, ap- 
parently ll^ele.■^s, extented on its body. Abder Khan, against 
whom a plot exic>ts, headed by Thamer, a rebel chief, to drive 
him from his throne, enters, and beolds the wounded stranger. 
What signs and characters meet his sight! a miracle has 
been wrought! the jewelled star, the badge and emblem of 
the tribe— 'tis Alazeppa, his lost son! This discovery is fatal 
to the scheme of Thaaiar, who (the Khan being old and child- 
less; had aspi ed to the regal sway. His dagger must remove 
thisobstjcle to his anticipated gieatness — he successively at- 
temps the life of both father and son, but is foiled in his at- 
temps. Mazeppa recovers — recognises his father, whom he 
has nv. acuonsly rescued fiom the dagger of the assassin, and 
is hailed King of Tartuiy. But he cannot be happy without 
Olinska— lo Polaud he musl repair for his mistress, and his 
majesty resolves to accompany his son on his amorous crusade. 
Mazeppa remounts the wild horse, which, after his late heat, 
is surprisingly tame, and no longer the terror of grooms and 
rough- riders. Once the instrument of torture, it is now the 
messenger of vengeance. The wailike expedition moves off 
in triumph — reaches Poland, when the king, Mazeppa, and a 
faithful chief, disguised as Tartar peasants, repair to the pal- 
a;e of tlie Castellan, are engaged by Drolinski, an olScious 
oriicer of the houseliuld, to perform sundry grotesque dances 
and dextr,^us feats, after the manner of their country, in cele- 
bration of the long-delayed nuptials between the Count Pal- 
atine (who has recovered liom his wound) and Olinska, who 
is brought Torth lik-^ a lamb to the slaughter, her heart being 
with the horse and his rider. The king contrives to wheedle 
Drolinsko (a huge feeder, a liftle fellow, and a great fool,) out 
of the keys of the great gates of the castle 3 and a chosen 



hand of warriors, who lie concealed m a neighbouring forest, 
are secretly introduced. The nuptial procession advances, 
with due solemnity ; a barbarous ballet is performed ; when- 
Mazeppa rushing forward, forbids the banns. Who is the 
daring intruder l-^-He throws off his disguise, proclaims his 
titles—the Poles and Tartars go at it pell-mell— Mazeppa wins 
his bride by force of arms, and the piece concludes amidst 
conflagration and rejoicings. This splendid drama was first 
produced at the Royal Amphitheatre, Westminster, under the 
management of Messrs. Ducrow and West, Easter, 1831 j 
and is written by Mr. Milner, the author of Massaniello. 

It is but common justice to remark how effectively every 
piece is got up at this theatre. The equestrian performances 
are without parallel in the annals of horsemanship ; and the- 
scenery and decorations may vie with the proudest metropo- 
litan. 



COSTUME. 

POLES. 

THE CASTELLAN— Rich dress of the reign of Louis XIV:— A 
fiill-skiried tunic of dark blue cloth, superbly embroidered with gold* 
—full jrunksof the^ame, edgt^d with lace,— russet boots— broail em- 
broidered scarf— orange-coloured bell — high-crowtiedrbroad brimmed 
hat — turned up in front, with brilliant roseite, awd profusely tiuumed 
wiihred feathers — yellow gauntlets. 

PRBMlf?LAS, COUiNT PALATINE.— Similar dress, of light blue, 
embroidered wi(h silver — wliiie feathers — siik stockings-^whiie shoes, 

CASSIMER — (Mazeppaas ibc page.) White tunic, half full sleeve, 
puffed, slashed wiOi crimson and black velvet, the lunic entirely 
trimmed with crimson and black velvet— white tight pantaloons- 
white shoes, with crimson rosetteS — short maniillo worn over the left 
arm, of crimson cloth, trimmed with ermine — OLtagonal cap of crimson 
wiih hanging pouch. 

klJDZOLOFF.— Green embroidered tunic, with scarlet maniillo — 
tight green pantaloons— black short boots — lancer's cap. 

DROLINSKO — Tight vest of green cloth, trimmed with gold lace 
— enormously full breches of djitu — red stockings — black shoes — and 
roseties 

POLISH NOBLES — Various coloured tunics, emoroidered, and' 
trimmed with fur — mantillos, also trunmed with fur— tall chimney- 
pot caps, with pouches covered with yellow cloth, and embroiderwi 
and trimmed with fur — tight pantaloons, embroidered — boots. 

FOR THE TOURNAMLNT— Knights in lull and in half armour 
—Heralds, with heraldic coats — the Servants in tunics — Pages, exactly 
the same as Cassimer — the Pages of Piemislas, similar, but the colours 
light blue and green, with while fur. 

SOLDIERS.— Tunic-coats, trimmed with fur— tall chimney-pot 
hat, trimmed with ditto— modern arms. 

OLINSKA.— First dress : A short Polish pelisse of green velvet 
superbly trimmed and embroidered with gold, and edged with white 
fur, over a short white dress — Polish octagonal cap, of the same, 
with hanging pouch. Second dress: A train-dress of white satin^ 
embroidered, with deep trimming of fur — brilliant coronet, froiUi 
which hangs a spacious veil. 

AGATHA.— Old-fashioned dress— lij^hl body— full skirt of slale- 
coloured cloth, trimmed with black velvet — white handkerchief over 
the neck — round cap of black velvet, coming with a point upon the 
forehead, and ornamented in the front with jewels. 

ZEMILA — Tight bodv of scarlet cloth, edged with black fur, and. 
trimmed with black — yellow buttons — light blue shut, with broad red 
stripe at bottom — blue stockings — square topped Polish cap of scarlet, 
ed^ed with black fur — black tassels. 

POLISH LADIES.— As Olinska's first dress, varying the colour. . 

TARTARS. 

MAZEPPA —First dress : Black robe, tnlirely enveloping the per- 
son — llackjhelmet — black-red plume. Second dress: Flesh legs, armS) 
and body— short tight trunks— hall-body of brown cloth. Third dress : 
White Turkish shirt and trowsers, embroittered and spangled — vest, 
with long tabs, of paje blue velvet, richly ipangled and embroidered 
with silver— stawl-scarf of orange, embroidered and fringed wiik 
tilper-- red boots— full Tartar helmet— cap ff gold, jurmounttd with, 



a diadem, and hird-of paradise Plumes. Fourth dress : Long plain 
Turkish robe bound round with a sash — plain turban. 

A15DER KHAN.— Fust dress: Long shirt o.' wiiite, hanging full, 
with embroidery at the bofi —green and ^old ve^^r, with ions broad 
tabs of dark i!;reeu vervet, ric.ily iniuioideicd in gold— veiy spacious 
flowing mantle of while clmn with a bo'der of green and gold eni- 
brouiirv, ami gold tringe--ve., i. age high tnrban of while, finished 



at but o,u l)v 


' a laurel wieaili 


of 


' green ii 


m 


fcecond di 


-fSs : 


Same as 


W;iZf| ))i's : 


a-,,, .li x>-s. 














'I'll A AiAK 


, A.\D ('JHFl'S.- 


-■</ 


e<t ;nvl 


fiv 


0'- hl.H-k f 


Io!l). 


triirmed 


with red a^ul 


-ukl— short ludT 


n.l 


ki.Wi irui 


iiks 


ol !)Muk ; 


iiin 1 


•i.lsi.ipe, 


taken up vvl 


1 gold s^ld^— 'I'll,-, 


U: 


JKiuitl-Cap, 


w i:,i K (! 


ci ;■,))! 


' ilaiiiiiiig 


fiojn it, over 


t pshotilih-is— re, 


i( .- 


cart- re 


u t 


aiidalb — a 


junu 


shield of 


black, with g 


;oM ed;e and b:..-;< 


•s. 












ELDF,R- 


— Lona wl.iie ,■(.!>. 


1.: 


and (u'b 


lans 








IvOfC Ul. 


KADAC, AN: ; 




i IMilAl 


D-. 


-Flesli ie 


gsar 


id arms — 


slle,•|.^kin v^ 


^t.-. — .llml nun, ,^- 




.I'l ( lil (ji; 


|1S 


01 llie sail 


-e. 




()ML:iZ \ 


AN'-. SHEPIKw; 


!i.' 


:r-r-i:-.- 


-rik 


II is of su- 


.p.d 


and va- 


riouscoiourt 


l\ lineu=.— capes of 


t> 


leejiskui- 


— !a 


rge conica 


1 hats covered 


with leaves, 


Weeds, &CC- 















DRAMAllS PERSON.^. 
POLES. 

The Castellan oj Laiuint-Jd, Mr. Hat t. 

Premising, Count Palatine, Mr. S. Foster. 

Rudzlof\ Chainbcrlai'i oJ' Hie Huusehold, I\ir. Lawrence. 

Droiimko Mr. Herring. 

Officer, Mr. 5. Smith. 

Sentinel, Mi Taylor. 

Olinsl^a, Uutigliltr of ilte CuhteUmi, ...... .Mis.. Pope. 

Agaiha, her Knr&e,. ... Mit-, Bradly. 

Zemila Mrs. Yates. 

Knights, O^icen, Guards, Heralds, Domestics, Ladies, S^c. 

TAltrARS. 

Ahdi-r Kluni, King cf Tartar]!, ?vlr. GouiersaL 

Mazeppa,iiisson, tuider the lupne of Cassnnir'Mv. Caitiitch. 

Thainar, a coiispi, ing ChiefU'in, ..!\Jr. S. Smith. 

Zemha Mr. Taylor. 

Kadac, ) rr c, r S l^fj"- Eill!0£,ham. 

Kuscar, J ' ' ^ J\.r W. Uest. 

■n.j ,. , r, 1 i PvJr. Gouoh, Mont- 

Llders of the People, { V ^ 

-^ ' ' I oomery.aud lates 

Oneiza .-Airs. J, Ducrow. 

■Sheperdes^ ". Mis. Dawson. 

ChiffiGiHS, Warviors, Priests, Sheplieids, 6^c. 



MAlgJEFPA. 



ACT I. 



SCENE I.— The Court-Yard of the Castle of Laurinski, boun-^ 
ded hy the huildings 'f the castle, its moat, and adjacent lake. 
~^it is approached hij a series of drawbridges, over the moat 
and branches of the lake — in the hack-ground, the diatant 
country— caaile gates, L. 3rd. e,> — two large windows, l. the 
nearest of which has a practicable balcony, l. s. e. — the 
moon seen to set — lights a\-e ob^ervuhl? in the castle windows, 
which are gradually extinguished as the morning advances, 

A Sest IV t.\. discovered, pacing the drawbridge, which leads 
across from r. to l. 

^nter Cassimeu, cautiously, u. v. e, and crossing to the win-. 
doa\ L. s. E, 

Cas. [Calling softly.] Olinska. 

Sen. [Halting on ihe drawbridge, c,] Ha! who goes there ? 
-T-No answer? [Cu^simer conceals himself behind a buttress, l.] 
By the uncertain glimpses of the moon, I can distingui.sli no 
one — all is silent^-it could have been but the wind sighing 
among these ancient battlements ; whistling along them, as 
it does through my ribs, which (by the time they keep me on 
the watch) 1 suppose they think as tough and as weatherproof 
as the walls themselves. 1 shall take the liberty of makiugr 
free with the porter's fire, in the hall, for a few moments. 
[Music- -Eiit into the portal, l. u. e 

Cas. [Advancing from the buttre.-s.] Olinska! dear Olin- 
ska! ere yet the envious daylight robs my soul of this sweet 
privilege, of drinking from thine eyes deep draughts of the 
bright liquid fire, which, as from twin stars of love, streams 
through my enraptured heart, appear, dear life! rai^e me to 
that throne of glory monarchs might envy me, Olinska's love. 
[Olinskii appears in the halcony, i.. s. E. 

Oitn. Cas^imer! thou here? Hence, hence! wert thou 
discovered, think how fearfully my father's wrath would fall 
pn the clandestine suitor to his child. 



10 MAZEPPA. 

Oas, "What can Cassimer dread, ennobled and ewboldened 
by thy love"? 

Oiin. It cannot be a worthy or a noble love, that thus, be- 
neath the mask of night, must steal to lay its homage on the 
shrine. 



Cas. Dost thou reproach my rash presumt 



ion 



OUn. IS'o; but my own unworthy cowardice. Cassirair, I 
•will no more of this ; no longer stoop to tremblingly conceal 
affections, in which my soul should glory : no! at my father's 
feet 1 will avow it all — will plead thy gallant services— thy 
exalted ^deeds — charge him, as he values my happiness or 
peace, to grant Olinska's band where her lond heart is pledg- 
ed, and gain a son who'll be an honour to his name. 

Cas. To thee and to thy love 1 do commit me! but, rather 
than see thee sacrificed to another, or brook a rival in thy 
piuch-prized love, — 

A thousand tyrant fathers I would brave 
From all their wrath my lov'd Olinska save, 
Or earn an early, but an honoured grave. 

OUn. But see, the dawn advances; the moon has sunk be- 
hind yon hoary hills; the glimmering lights are one by one 
expiring ; and the hum of busy menials speaks approaching 
day. Away, my love, away! 

Cas. May all propitious powers smile down upon the plead- 
ings of thy virtuous love, waft thy soft breathings deep to thy 
father's heart, and win him to our cause ; then should thy 
doating Cassimir, in the broad blaze of day, boast of his 
bliss, and be all Poland's envy. 

[The drum of the guard is heard — Cassimer climbs a but 
tress and fnssionately kisses Olinska's hand, then c^ect 
his escape, r. s. k. — sound approaches. 

Re-enter Sentinvl, l. u. e., on the draivhridge — OtrNSKA, 
after watching Cassimer, retires fron the balcony. 

Enter a Patrol, r. u. jj.., who crosses the drawbridge to l. u. E., 
and relieves the guard. 

Enter Rudzolof, Drolinsko, and other domestics, from the 
castle, L. 3rd e. 

Dro. (c.) Come; bustle, bustle, you lazy-pated varlets! 
Why, it's day! broad day! — and is not to-day to be a remark 
Able day — a glorious day — a day of festivity? — Is the neiot 



MAZEPPA. ' It 

to be a grand tournament? — are not all the neighbouring 
knights, ladies, esquires, and gentry invited? — Is not an en- 
voy from the Count Palatine Premislas expected 1 — And an't 
I expected to take a leading part in all the games 1 

Rud. But what an odd freak of our Lord Castellan to 
choose such a day as this for the attempt to subdue the un- 
breakable, fiery, vvildTartarian horse, so longthe terror of all 
our grooms and ihe executioner of so many rough-riders. 

Enter Cassimer, softli;, r. 3rd e., and listens at the back, c. 

Dro. Let the Castellan waste no more time, labour, nor 
life about him ; but send the devil on all fours back to his na- 
tive Tartary. I tell you what, godfather, there never was a 
native of tbat country, whether walking on one pair of legs 
or two, that ever come to any good by being in a better. 
Look, now, at that young Tartar fellow, Cassimir, picked up, 
as I have heard, in a wood, some eighteen years ago, after one 
of their barbarous incursions — 

End. A. living contriidiction to your assertion ; risen by his 
good qualities to he the favourite page, the idol of all the wo- 
men, and the envy of all the men. 

Dro. Not of all ihe men, godfather: for my part, I think 
his brother, the ^vild horse, the more amiable barbarian of the 
two. V.et my lady beware, or she may find, too late, that she 
has caugh* a Tartar, 

Cas. ^^^RusJdtig forward , and giving Dro. a violent slap on the- 
shoulder,'^ What says the slave 1 

Dro. lAbide.^ By all that's terrible, the tarter has caught 
me. 

Cos. jVTo muttering, sirrah : you spoke of me. 
Dro. I L.) Die I '. — Well, then, I'm sure you must have 
been deligjuedto hear the complimentary things I said of you. 
lou cant'think how p-.odlglousiy we all shall regret (I speak 
of myself m particular,) that your duty must presently take 
yoi' trora us. 

Cas. What means the slave 1 

Rud Why, as you know that my Lady Olinska is going to 
be marriea to the Count PalaUne Preuiislas, one of the richest 

and most powerful nobleman in Poland ■ 

Cas. How said yoiO married, married to another? 
Rud. Another: wnat other?— Why she never was married 
before, was she ? 



42 MAZEPPA; 

Dro. A despatch late last night, conveyed to the f^stellan'^ 
'chamber after he had retired— ay, ay, it's we folks of conse- 
quence In the establishment that come at the earliest intelli- 
gence — bless your heart, i he envoy is expected to-day, to makfe 
the formal proposal to my lady. 

Cos. Against thi^ blow support me, heaven! She never 
will, she never shall be his! 

Dro. Sha'nt she, though 1 — There, I thihk; you'll find your- 
self mistaken, young fetlow ; not that you need to put your- 
self into such a taking 6bout it, for I dare siay, as you are her 
favorite page, she will prevail on the Palatine to make yOu 
'one of his esquires. 

Cas, [Seizing Dno. h}^ the throat, c] Wretch! how dare 
you thus insult me 1-^B'ut vio, reptile, thou aH not worth my 
anger. [Ru'shes ovt, r. 

Vro. I thank you for appreciating me so justly. Godfather, 
mark my words, that man will never come to any good. Oh, 
that the Castellan Wiiuld clap him on the back of his broth- 
er devil, the Tartarian "horse, and send them off to 'J'artary, or 
Tartarius. 

litid. Tush, fool! the Lady Olinska approaches— away, to 
'Speed the preparation^ for the festival. 

[ ]\jiikii—lhid7olo diiris JJiulinnkn oi(t, uho hits hardly 
recovered Jrom the ejects of his shaking, L. s. E. 

Eyiter OlinskA, with Aoatiia, r. 

Aga. (l.) Why, how, is it n^y pretty bird has let! her nest 
so early this morning 1— And, oh! those downcast eyes and 
and colourless cheeks assure she must have paSsed a sleep- 
less night. 

Olin. (c.) Oh, I am deeply to be pitied. 

Aga. Pitied! you, you to be pitied! whfen there's nothing 
talked of through all the castle, but your approaching nup- 
tials with a young nobleman so rich and so^ — — 

Olin, Those nuptials never can taki? place. My heart, my 
soul, each energy of my existence — all, all is Cassimir's'. 

Aga. Cassinva's! heavens! a frieiidless youth, at brphart 
boy, a foundling Tanar. 

Olin. '1 he idol of my fond afTections! This very morning, 
yielding to the prayer of Cassimir, 1 went to make an avowal 
to my father, but judge of ray astonishment, my agony, when 
he aunouced to me that he had solemnly eitgagad my hand 



MAZEPPA. 13 

lo the Count Palatine, who in the recent war had rescued him 
in battle. You know my cruel situation — ^judge, condemn me, 
if you can, but you must At least pity the unhappy Olinsk a. 

Aga. I condemn you! oh, my dear young lady, my bosom 
can harbour none but the tendfirest sentiments towards you> 
nor entertain ary wish except to do you servicie. 

[A noise of hurried footiteps is heard without, h. 

Olin. Some one approaches— ah, 'tis he, 'tis Cassimir ! 
Cxeat heaven, how agitated ! 

Re-enter Cassimir, sw(/f/en/;i/, R. v, E. 

Cas. [ With suppressed augerJ] Noble lady — 

[Agatha retires vp, n. watching. 

Olin. (r. c.) Speak without reservfej Cassimir; my seconcl 
mother here knows all. 

Cds. Before her, then, pronounce my fate. 

Olin, Your fate ! 

Cas. Yes : on you, and on this moment, depend the desti- 
nies of my life. 

Otin. VVhat mean you? 

Cas. We must fly : the deserts of Tartary, where I first 
drew breath, ofl^er us an assured retreat. Here where 
the bonds that unite us are to be torn asunder, have I not the 
right to reqtiire of Olinska, who has chosen me for her hus- 
band, that she should seek with me, in my owncountiy, that 
happiness which is denied us here? 

Olin. How, with barbarians? sworn foes of my country — 
never, never' 

Cas. 'I'hen let this hated rival tremble. 

Olin. Listen to me, Cassimir. 

Cas. I care not for life ; I am ready to sacrifice it ; but I 
will not perish alone. 

Aga. [Adiavring, r,] Your father comes : for both your 
Bakes, hide from him your tears — Cassimir, away ! 

Music — Enter the Castfi.t.an, with his suite, including 
3luDzoi.OFF,/r«wn the castle-gate, l. 3rd t —he seems surprised 
*it phserving the embarrassment his presence occasions, and testijie 
his astonishment at beholding Cassimir. 

Cast. [Aside, l.J Cassimir! [Aloud.] What do yon here, 
Cassim r ? R 

^at.'ilConfused, r.] My Lord Castellan 
B 



14 MAZEPPA. 

-^ga. [Fearing he may betray himself, hastens between hint 
and the Castellan, c] My lord, Cassimir was just come to — 
to — to— lo request my influence with the Lady Oliniska, to 
■obtain for him the situation of first esquire with her intended 
husband. 

[Tiie Castellan, tcith a scrutinizing glance^ surveys the lovers, 
who remain abashed and confused. 

Rud. (l.) This young man's intrusion on my lady's priva- 
cy 

Cast. It would be your duty to punish ; but 1 am willing to 
excuse. I Call to mind his uniform good conduct, his courage, 
and fidelity, which deserve reward :— 'I name him officer of 
ttien-at-arms, whom I am sending to Warsaw, to be incorpo- 
taited in the royal guard. He will depart to-morrow at day- 
break. 

Cas. My lord, permit me — - 

Cast. Rudzoloff, I rely on you to see my wishes fulfilled. 
Away, ftovv; and prepare for your appearence at the ap- 
proaching fete. 

Rud. Enough, my lord. 
[Exit C&isiinir, l. s. e., with gestures of submission to the Cas- 

tellan^ and darting glances of piercing scrutiny on Ollnska 

— Rvulzolff folio wingt 

Cast. I find, by the Count Palatine's despatch, that this 
proposed marriage is likewise sanctioned by the soveriga 
himself. 

Olin. [Aside,] Support me, oh ! support me! 

Cast. The Count Premislas wishes to come, even on the in- 
stant, and present to thee his homage ; but ar) ancient custom 
does not permit a Palatine of Poland to offer his vows in per- 
son, till after a solemn ceremony. The countess's coron?t 
must be presented to the intended, and she return her rinfg in 
exchange. From that moment, she is his affianced bride. 
The envoy of the count this day will come on the important 
mission. 

Olin. How, my father! this very day ? 

Cast. Even so. Prepare for his reception, my daughter; 
obedience should be easy, when honors and fortune are its re- 
ward. U 

Music. — Enter an ()ffu;er, n, 4th e. 
Offi. My lord, a splendid cavalcade of knights and warrior^ 
even bow is discerned from the battlements, approaching^ tli© 



MAZFPPA. I5i 

castle. By the bearings or; the banniere, we percewe it is an- 
envoy from Count Premislas. 

Cast. Let him be conducted hither, with all the honour 
due to his noble masiev. Bid my pages and officers of my 
household attend me here. Olinska, be mindful of your duty.. 

[^Otiniliu bends in mbrnission — the Oj^icer retires, r. 4th. e, 

Ejifer RcDZOiOFF — Pages, including Cassimir, Ladies, and 
Guards in the castle, at the gates, l. 3rd e., and form round- 
the Castellan, Olinska, and Agatha, who advances near the- 
front, L. 

Ilnter a Guard of Honour, from the CastUf crossing the bach 
drawbridge from r. u. e. to L. u. E* 

The Grand Procession 

Moves on, from n. 4th e consisting of Soldiers, Knights, Offi' 
cers. Ladies, and Attendants, who form on the l. side and across' 
the hack — a small ornamental car is drawn on l, 3rd e., under 
the canopy if which is a cushion with a countess's cornet- — ther 
Envoy advances, c. — the Castellan leads forward his daughter^ 
and with her takes a position, r. — tivo ladies place a cubhioHy 
c, on which Olinska kneels — the Envoy bringsforword the coro- 
net, and presents it to Olinska'— it is received by her attendants, 
and placed onher head — Cassimiv anxiously beholds the ceremony 
— he pases round the back, and takes a situation behind Agatho',, 
R. — on Olinsliu's receving the coronet, he expresses rage aiul dispair, 
— the Castellan now reminds her to present her ringr-with trem- 
bling agitation she draws it from herjitiger, and approaches the- 
canopy, Cassimir watching with a degrade of inlentness, mought 
up to agony— as she drops the ring on the ciuihion, Counts 
Premislas bursts from the dra})ery of the caVy seizes the ring^, 
and advances to the front, c. 

Oli. [Starting.] Vvhat do I see ? 

Cast, The Count Premislas! 

Cgs. [aside.] (l.) Down, rebel nature, down! 

Pre. (c.) Pardon me, beautiful Olinska, for not awaiting- 
the sentence which was to decide my fate. Had my homage 
been rejected, I should have quitted the castle without intru- 
ding upon your presence ; but, on seeing; you accept the diadem 
1 ha&^ened to recieve, rnjself^ this precious pledge of happi- 
0£S5, [Showing the ring^ 



16 MAZEPPA, 

Music— He takes the hand ofOlinska, and kisses if— Ca«s//nir 

makes a movement, as if in his jealous fury, he uould spring 

mpon his happy rival, but is restrained by a sudden thought 

of more effectual vengence. 

JCas. [aside, and earnestly to Oimska."] This very night! 
j^-vengenoe! — death! [L'jjf, r. 

Cast. Deign to accompany me, count : every thing is pre- 
pared to recieve you with the honor&due to liim who, becoming- 
my so«a, will presently have a right to command, where now 
he is a guest. Never could your arrival have been better 
timed. This day 1 had prepared a solemn tourney, in which 
the pages of my household and friendly knights will contend 
in those manly sports which form the warrior's earliest lesson 
To this festivity your presence will add a tenfold brilliance. 
Forward, and prepare the arena. 

Pre, Count, with the utmost joy, 1 shall attend you. {To 
Olitfska,) LaAy, may I be honoured with your hand] 

Music-^He ojf'ers his hand to Olimka, who with dijjident re- 
luctance yields hers. The procession moves on towards the 
castle, and the scene closes. 



SCENE II. — A Gothic Apartment in the Castle. 

Music. — Enter emila. 

Zetn. Well ; so my lady Olinska is going to be married— 
I wish I was going to be married ; for then I should no lon- 
ger be a maid : no indeed, 1 would be a mistress, as ray hus- 
band would be pretty quickly convinced. There's that lout, 
Drolinsko, has been casting sheep's eyes at me for months past ; 
but the dolt scarcely knows his own mind, 1 fancy. There's 
but one reason I can conceive for having any thing to say 
to sucha numscull ; if I married him, he'd save me the trouble 
of making a fool of him, for he's ready made to my hand. 
Give me a dashing spirited fellow, L say, who would run 
away with you, in spite of fathers, uncles, cousins — ay, fnr 
,the matter of that, in spite of yourself. 

SONG.— EMILA. 

A lady Was woo'd by a knight it is said, 

Who courted her urider a tree ; j . 



MAZEPPA. 17 

And he constantly sighed on her bosom, "Fair maid 

Ah! wilt thou be faithful to meV 
.She sighed back again, as her bosom soft heav'd 

"Sir knight, X must yield to dispair, — 
I'd fly to thy arms, as my truth is believ'd. 

Yes, rd By with my love, did 1 dare. 

"Ah ! lady love, lady love !" quick he return 'd, 

"Is it fear only keeps us apart?" 
With tenderest passion his mandly breast burn'd, 

Yvhiist courage and hope swelled iiis heart. 
His courser was ready ; he snatch'd her fair form. 

Away o'er the wild heath to bear, 
A.nd sang, as he gallop'd admidst the loud storm, 

" L not only love thee, but dare!" 

Enter DnoLiysLn, r, 

Dro. [Meeting Zcrnila, c] Ah ! pretty JMistress Zemila, what 
-may you be seeking in such a bustle! 

Zein. (l. c.) No such trash as you } so mind your own busi- 
Jiess, and let me pa^s. 

Dro. Well, now, for my part, I don't know what a likely 
jong woraar, such as you, can meet more suited to her wants 
•and inclinatioiisthan a tidy husband. 

Ze,». A husband! ]Lavghiug.] Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! As if 
were I mchned for a husband, 1 should for a moment dream of 
-Such a thing as ynu. 

Dro. Such a thing as me! what the devil do youmean by 
thai ? W hy, what's the matter with me 1 1'm all right and tioht, 
snug and comfortable, as any young woman could desire' ° 

Zem. No, DroUnsko, you want one very material article to 
make a man of you. 

Dro. No, you don't say so, 
Zcni. Not that it's soesseiitial to a husband, 
Dro. Well, I'm glad to hear that at any rate. 
Zem. [TcKcJdng his h -ud.] \ ou waiU it here, my poor fellow 
«mpty as a scooped-out cocoa-nut shell. 

iJ/o. Want it there, do U Now it strikes we very forcibly, 
4b-;>.t it I were your husband, you would furnish me with some- 
■ahmg more than 1 should want there. 

Ze,r,. Now, it you were any thing like such a person as the 

Tartur, Cassimir ^ 

Dro, The Tartar, Cassimir! Only to hear the women talk 



18 MAZEPPA. 

Well, St. Igtiatius !ielp their taste, I siy. Ile^s a sort of a 
wild beast ; and all the women are weaving nets and meshes 
to catch him; and if they can't tame him, he's a wild devil 
indeed. But I've stopped Mr. Cassimir's pranks for awhile. 

Zem. You stop him, drolinsko? (Laughing.) Ha, ha, ha! 
that's an excellent joke. 

Dro. I don't think he'll find it so. The slave had the pre- 
sumption to intrude on the Lady Olinska's privacy, whilst, 
taking a walk on the terrace of the castle, and even to touclK 
her hand. 

(tri. Like a spirited young fellow, as he i?., 

Dro. There 1 caught him — so did her, father. 

Zem. (Sneering.) Well? 

Dro. The father did not seem inclined to say much ; but T 
gave Mr. Tarter pretty plainly to understand, that if ever he 
attempted the like liberty again, he would incur a pretty con- 
siderable portion of my displeasure. 

Y^em. (Derisively.) Your displeasure! Poor, poor Drolinsko. 

Dro, I'd a good mind to give him a bit of a shaking then. 

Ze7?j. You give Cassimir a shaking! why, you'd shake in 
your «hoes if he did but raise a finger, 

Dro, I say, Zemila, how provokingly beautiful youdolook, 
to be sure. Do you know, I should so like to 

Zem, Well, then, why don't you take courage and try. 

Dro. Egad! that's a pretty fair invitation, and here 1 go. 
(He attempts to kiss her, she slaps his face. 

Zem. Smack for smack, my fine fellow, all over the world, 
is fair play, you know, 

Dro. That's what you call giving a modest young man 
proper encouragement, 1 suppose, 

Zem. Recollect, Drolinsko, that till a recruit has learned to 
tand fire, he's never fit for the field of action. 
J. Enter zolopf, r. 

Riid. (r. c.) Come, come, none of your billing and cooing 
here; all should be bustle and activity. The tournament is 
about to take place ; the Lady Olinska is to crown the con.- 
queror. and the presence of Count Premislas inclines my lord 
to wish the entertainment more brilliant even than he had in- 
tended. 

Dro. (l. c.) Lovely mistress Zemila, were it you;r task to. 
crown the conqueror, I feel that I shauld overthrpvv a,!! before 
rae. 



MAZEPPA. 1& 

Zem. (c.) Tlien it must be with a crown of thistle and 
dandelion, ornamented with a pair of ass's ears. 

[A trumpet heard withaitt. 

Rud. Hark, that's the first signal ; hasten to take your place* 

Did. My soul's in arms, and eager for 

Zem. The encounter ! 

Dro. No; for the sumptuous banquet, that is to take place 
afterwards. 

TRIO.— EMiLA, Drolinsko, and Rudzolot, 

Zem. Oh ! 'midst the crash of war's alarms, 

Delightful hurry scurry, 
Where 'midst of trophies, plumes, and aims. 

The men each other worry. 
How high each damsel's bosom beats, 

How beam her sparklers bright. 
To think, with all their gallant feats, 

For her the heroes fight. 

Dro. No doubt, for those who get the best. 

' Jis very pretty fun, 
But ah? the thought that fills my breast. 

Is care of number one. 
What silly sport for fighting elves, 

Into each other pitching — 
They'd better pitch into themselves 

1 he comforts of the kitchen.. 

Bnd. Oh, the thought of martial glory 

Warms the breast and fires the heart ;> 
Though my war-worn locks are hoary 

1 could play a soldier's part. 
Still the falchion could I wield. 

Still enjoy the trumpet's clang; 
Still my heart to beauty yield. 

And each haughty rival bang. 

ALL TOGETHER. 

Ji'tm. Ever still must martial glory 

Tend a woman's heart to win : 
Still they love a warrior's story 
Though they dread the;battle'i din. 



20 MAZEPPA. 

Dro. It's very well to talk of glory. 

Something better I would wia, 
Witli a jovial least before me, 
I but wish a good tuck in. 

Mud. Still ray heart beats high for glory 

Fresher laurels yet I'd win ; 
As 1 tell each murtsa! story, 

fight tlie battle o'er again. [Exeunt, u 



.SCENE III. — The Grand Arena, prepared for the T^- rnament, 
surrounded on three sales by an eleiuted gallery -an arched 
entrance c. f. under the gallery — neur ihej'ront, l., a canopi- 
ed couch. 

Music— '7'/;e galleries are filled icith speciators—the limits of 
of the arena are maintained Heralds and by mounted H/Ienat 
arms — in the centre are drawn vp Lite Pages and Knighs, pro- 
posed combatants — Cassimir is amongst ihem-'ihe couch is occu- 
pied hii the Castellan, his daughter, and Coutit Premislas, sur- 
ruauded by their Attendants. 

Cast. My friends, display before us your address and cour- 
age—these noblfc sports are the image of war — learn from 
them to defend your prince and country. My daughter will 
crown th^ conqueror — let the signal be given for the games to 
begin. 

[Musrc. — The Castellan sits-Iiudzoloff makes a signal, on which 
a trumpet sounds, and the respective champions take their sta- 
.■iion — sjirsi, a small sword combat, between two of the Pages 
— then a tilt if mounted and armed Knights, with spear and 
battle-axe, of whom. Cassi/nir is one — then a sword combat on 
horseback, between Cassimir and his opponent-— in both of these 
Cassimir is svccessful — then a broad-sword combat of four, in 
which Co'iSimir is also the victor — the conquerors adcance to- 
wards the Castellan, 

past. Cassimir, it is with pleasure I behold you the victor! 
I have before remarked your courage and address 5 1 have dis-- 
inguished you from the crowd of my pages ; merit always 
qns my favour, and new rewards will be the result. The 
€voaing's shadows, now gathering o'er the valley, remind us 



MAZEPPA. 21 

i to'coabkide our spofts, and taste the banquet's joys. Kow 
.; let the trumpet speak the contest o'er, and, in the joyous gob- 
' let's xjheeiiug draught, let each pledge his antagonist in sin- 

ceiity arnd friendship. 
J (The victors are crowned by Olinska tvith laurel — Cassimir re- 
ceives also a scarf— they then approach a small table, which 
> has been prepared — each take a goblet of wine, and as they are 
I in the act of drinhing, the scene Closes, 



;• SCENE IV.— A Gallery of the Castle, conducting to the sleep- 
ing-rooms — ail entrance from the armoury, l, 

IvtVIxrsic. — Enter Count Premislas, l., preceded and followed 
' by kis Pages and Gentlemen of his household, some of whom 
.i bear flambeaux — one takes his hut. another his mantle, which he 
': lays over the back of a chair — a third places his sword on a 
;. imall table. 

Pre. (c.) You may now retire— 1 dispence with all fur- 
:■ thei service for the evening. [Pages &;c. retire, h., the Count 

sits on a chair, R.c] 1 shall presently be united to Olinska — 
, called by my soverign to one of the first offices of the state,. 
. love and fortune unite to crown my wishes ; still the extre- 
.-.ordinary emotion of Olinska haunts roe ; her disturbed looks, 

her eyes moistened wilh tears— what would be her hand 
•without her heart? — Perhaps some knight more blessed than 
' I — [Rises and advances, c] But no, Olinska has been brought; 
; up in retiiement : her heart will be thoroughly her husband's. 

^ Music. — Enter Cassimir, c. f., disguised in a black helmet 
■ with black plumes, the vizor closed, and a long black mantle'— 
he stands bejore Premislas, as he is turning towards his c/iumn 
, ber, 

: Pre, [Seizing his sword.] Who art thou? 
Cas. (c.) Thme eneniy. 
Pre. (c.) How entered you this castle? 
Cas. What matter's that to thee? 
Pre, What is thy will? 
Cas. Thy death. 

Pre. Would 'st thou be ray murderer * 
Can. No 3 1 would m^et thee in equal cueottnter of ipsiia to 
t «an. 



n MAZEPPA. 

Pre. (Haughtily.) Thy namel 

Cas. Tliou shall know that when thou art conquered. 

Pre. This arrogance 

Cas. Befits a jealous and offended ipan. 

Pre. What can you be ? 

Can. Your rival. 

Pie, (With umiety.) Beloved, 

Cas. Till yesterday 1 believed so- 

Pre. ( Eiultiugl'j.) But to day thou findest that the beauti- 
ful Ohnska accords tu uie the preference. 

Cas. Not to thee, but to thy honours and thy titles. 

Pre. Dar'st thou insult mel 

Cas. I have told thee but the truth ; my sword shall do the 
rest. 

Pre. llash intruder! think'st thou a Palatine will deign to 
measure swords with an unknown, doubtless unworthy of that 
honour 

Cas. My sword shall teach thee whether I Ue worthy. 

Pre, Hence, or my servants shall chastise thy boldness. 
[Proceeds to ring a bell, l. 

Cns. [Presentingtwo pistols, Q.] One word, one gesture, andl 
I stretch thee at my feet. 

Pre. Coward! were oyr arms but equal— !— 

Cas. [Laying aside his pistols, aiid drawing a swirrd.'\ They 
»re so. Behold, [Throws open the mantle. i my bosom is un- 
armed — I wear this helmet for concealment, not pjotection. 
Aim at ray heart — it has no defence but courage ^ind this good 
sword. 
I\Iusir;. — Pressed hy the attack of Cassimir, P rem slas ■places hini': 

self on his defence, n. c, and a combat ensues — unable to re- 
sist the vigor of Cassimir' s omet, Premislas is.woit7ide(i, Qnd 

falls. 

Pre. I yield. 

Cas. [Resuming his mantle.] I am revenged. 
[Music. — A tumult is heard without — a crowd of the Count''i 

attendants and oilier of the Castellan's househould rush on, head- 
ed hy Drolinsko, l, 

Bro. 1 tell you the unknown, who stole the armour, is in that 
gallery — see, behold him — there he is. 

[Those of the Count's household perceiving him fainting 

in the chair, r. c. rush to hii assistance — the others are about 

to rush on Cassimir, who stands near the entrance to the ar- 

Wou^y, but are kept in check by his presentiiig hu pistoli^-rrh,^ 



MAZEPPA. !i$ 

rushes offhvi the passage leading to the armoury) t. s. e., and 
they follow him. 

.Enter the Castellan, Rudzoloff, and other Attendants, l, 

Rud, Great heaven ! the Palatine assassinated ! 

(Goes to him. 
Pre. (Parl;ially reviving.) A rival — vengeance^ 
Cast. You Ahall obtain it: and whoever the murderer may 
prove, it shall be terrible. 

(Music. — Two discharges of pistols are heard without. 



Enter Drolinsko, 



'"^» 



Dro. We'' ve got him! he's taken! he's taken! 
[T/ie other Servants now come in, l. s. e. surrounding Cassimir* 
still concealed by the vizor and mantle— he shakes them off^ 
and quietly takes his station, l. c, the Servants behind him. 

Pre. [Pointing ta CAs^iMin.] That is the assassin. 

Cast. Remove the mantle that conceals the wretch. 

^Music. — As the Servants are about to do so, Cabsimir casts ojf 
both the mantle and the helmet. 

AIL Cassimir! 

Cast. My suspicions were, then, true — let him die [hj 
Servantsof CovsTFR^-M'isi.AS are about to spring on CASsij,i\n.'] 
Plold ! reserve him for the punishment inflicted on rebel slaves. 
Lead in the Count — let every aid be lavished to restore him. 
"[Approaching the Count, and grasping his hand,] End as it 
may, of this, at least, be sure, such vengeance shall expiate 
the outrage, as rny indignant soul in fury dictates, in lamen- 
tation o'er its dearest friend. [The Count's Followers support 
him off, R.] Tremble, ungrateful miscreant, at the punishment 
reserved for outraged hospitality. Lead the vile Tartar hence 
— strip him of that garb he has degraded — let not the arras of 
my house be sullied by adorning a traitor who raises his as- 
sassin arm against my friend, under the very roof that gives 
him shelter. Lead out the fiery untamed steed — prepare 
strong hempen lashings round the villain's loins— let every 
beacon -fire on the mountain's top be lighted, and torches, 
like a blazing forest, cast their glare across the night. This 
teioment let my vengeance be accomplished — away. 

[Music. — Exit the Cdstellan. followed by his principal Officers, 
£'.>~CAj$si|fiii is drkggcd out: by the Servants, l. 



U MA2EPPA. 

SCENE v.— Part of the gardens of the CastetlaHs 

Music. — Enter Rudzoloff and Zemila, n., meethig^-tlfiter' 
Drounsko, l., running, and his cloths in great disorder, 

Zem, Well, Drolirtsko, what dismal fate has happened to 
you tiow t 

Dro. Dismal fate, indeed! the dismal fate has not happen- 
ed to me ; but it might have done— I am perpetually led into • 
predicaments l)y my unquenchable courage. 

Zem. Or yotlr unqdetichable thirst, which, Drolinsko? 

Dro. There, his lordship has ordered them to brini? out the ; 
wild Tartar horse, and strap Cassimir to his back. Lord love * 
you, there stood the poor wretches about him, — not one of ' 
them had courage to approach him ; but my eagerness for ■ 
difficult adventures inspired me— I approached the infuriated 
monster, and seized him by the mane, when he turned round, . 
and savagely tore 

End. Tore! my poor dear fellow, are you seriousfly hurt? 
what did he tear? 

Dro. Why, he tore what T won't venture to mention. 

\^Turns round and discovers his smali clothes torn. 

IMi'Sic. — Enter two Servants, who crtiss from x, to n. — one of 
them appears wounded. 

Rud. Hasten to my lord, entreat him to forgo- his purpose, . 
ere half his household is destroyed. 

Dro. Why, truly, it seem as if the wild horse would make ■ 
the castle an hospital. His Countryman, Mr. Cassimir, be- 
gan that game ; but thank heaven, we are likely to get rid oV 
them both, now. I've often said the best thing our Lord 0.s- 
tellan could do, would be to bind them back lo back, and set 
them off to their own country together. Kgad! if we don't 
run, we shall miss the sight, and the opportunity of wishing'; 
our Tartar friends good-by for ever. 

Music. — Exeunt rtiiming, L, 

SCENE Y J.— The Outer Terrace of the Castle, overlocksng m 
tract of desolate country, coivposed of precipitous mountahv 
ridges, abounding jvith catarticts — the rocky pathway crosses? 
a stupendous waterfall, by a ^ight rustic bridge, and isfinatlif 
to$t in a chain of lofty emiitetices, stretching, into th<e distanee,^ 



MAXFPPA. 96 

Mvsic— 'Enter the Castellan, Rudzoloff, DroliSsko, 
and several of his suite, male arid female, R. s. e. 

Cast. (r. c.) Is my will obeyed, and the wild horse secured? 
Rud. All is as my lord commanded. 
Cast. Bring forth the miscreant. 

Mrsrc. — OhissK.Kmshes in, u. s. e,, followed by all the females 
of her household, and approaches the Caslellan, R. — nt the 
same time Cassimir is dragged on by several of the household, 
L. 3rd E. — Cassimir stands l. c. the Hervunis stretching 
semicircularlxj fi om the c. to l. corner. 

Oli. [Throwing herself at her fathers feet, R.c.jOhl my 
father, pardon for him who saved your daughter's life. 

Cast, (c.) Unworthy girl! all power on earth were inef- 
fectual to assuage my vengeance. 

Music. — Enter Count Premislas^ followed hy his officers, 
I..— Omnska and the females instantly surround him, kneel- 
ing at his feet, as if entreating his interferance, c. 
Pre. [Approaching the Castellan.] Hold, my lord : from ven- 
geance such as this, even my indignant bosom shrinks with 
horror. 

Cast. You plead in vain. — Bring forth the untamed steed. 
[Music. — The horse is brought forward, l. 3rd e.. by three or 
four Grooms, who, with difficulty, restrain him — he is led to the 
c. — Cassimir indignantly burets from those who hold htm, and, 
advancing to the front c, .surveys the horse — the spectators, in 
alarm, run to the corners, front.] Now bind the traitor on his 
back ; let scorching suns and piercing blasts, devouring hun- 
ger, and parching thirst, with frequent bruises and ceaseless 
motion, rend the vile Tartar piecemeal. 

Music. — Cassimir is now bound to the horse's back, l, 
K)Un. Yet, dearest father, in mercy hear me. 

Cos. [On the horse, c] Plead not for me, Olinska : per- 
ish as I may, it is sutHcent glory that 1 die fot thee. 

Cast. Now launch the traitor forth, and let the story of his 
fate strike terror throughout Poland! 

Music. — The horse is released, and immediately ntshss off 
with Cassimir, r. 3rd e. — he presently re-appears on the 
first range of hill", from l. to r., all the spectators rusliing 
to the L., a7id as he crosses again from n . to i.., they take the 
apposite side—whert he has reached the third range of hills, 



U MA25EPPA. 

they commence pursuing him vp the hills, and as h^ pro- 
gresses, they follow — when he has disappeared in the exlen' 
sive distance, the whole range of hills is covered by the Ser- 
vants, Females, Guards, and attendants, shouting, wavijig 
their arms and torches, forming an animated tableau — 
Ol'inska., who has fainted, is supported by Agatha and 
Piir.MiSLAS, i/( the front, whilst the Castellan expresses ex- 
ziltation, completi:ig the picture, lighted by the glare of tor- 
ches and the red beacon fres, on which the drop falls. 

END OF ACT I. 



ACT IT. 



'SCENE I. — Moving Pancrama >f the course of the Dneipef 
River, running from l. u. e. io r. u. e. — on the flat is seen 
its hanks, icith a tract tf wild country — <i tremendous storm 
of thunder and lightning, hail and rain. 

Music- — Mazeppa discovered, l. s. e., on the wild horse, stop* 
ping a few moments, appifrentty from exhaiistation , n. 

Maz. Exhausted nature for a moment stays his furious 
course. Eternal heaven! where will these horrors end? Oh! 
■would I were released from suffering, if bat in the endless 
calm of death. Ah! again he urges on his wild career. 
{The wild horse gallops off with Mazepp A, r. — Music — The 
storm abates, the sun rises, and the panorama begins to move — 
the'horse, still bearing 'Mat.-evp A fastened to his back, iiseen wa- 
ding up the streirm, from r. to L.] Ah! how refreshing is the 
cool stream to my racked, fevered limbs. Ah! could my 
.parched lips but catch its moisture, it would sooth the burn- 
ing thirst tiiatprey^ upon me. But here, like 'J'antalus, 1 feel 
Jthe limpid luxury wiisli past my mouth, whilst my arid throat 
is denied the swet't relief. [Music. — A group of wolves is seen 
on the opposite banks, as if watching and pursuing the horse and 
Mazf.ppa.] Though nigh exhausted by the strong exertion, 
yon group of ravening wolves scare the affrighted beast from 
off the bank — already have their gnashing teeth been buried 
in my flesh ; and 1 could almost wish ngain to feel their horrid 



MAZEPI^A. 21 

grip— If perchance it might free me from the cruel tliongs 
that eat into my flesli, and squeze my swollen veins almost to 
bursting. — Surely, the power of the maddened brute must 
be well-nigh exhausted. Though my dim sight imperfectly 
distinguishes, it seems as if the current was so strong as to 
impede his course — these waters, then, shall be ray welcome 
grave — and see [Music. — An enormovs vulture is seen hover- 
ing above him.] yon horrid bird ot prey, now hovering over 
its destined victim, torwarns me that my torments soon shall 
end. — It brings me, too, the sacred consolation that I have 
reached my native Tartary, to which its form and plumage 
are peculiar, and so shall perish where 1 first drew breath — 
welcome, eternal rest! Olinska! dear Olinska! be thy well- 
loved name the last that murmers from my expiring lips, and 
may thy angel prayers waft my racked soul to regions of re^ 
pose and peace. 

Music. — The wild horse hears off Mazeppa, l. u. e. 



.SCENE II. — A Rude Tartar Landscape — a marshy thicket, 
interspersed with shepherd's huts. 

Enter Oneiza, through the wood, t. 

One. What, ho! Koscar! Koscar ' the sun mounts high 
in the heavens, and chides thy sluggishness. 
Koscar. [Wiihoiit.] Hillioh! here. 

Enter CoscAR, r. 

Kos. Ah I my sweet sister, thou abroad so early ! 

One. Our gods preserve thee. Some hours since I led my 
2ierd to a secluded tract amidst the mountain heights that 
look towards Fohnd— [Looking off, r] but here comes Kadac 

Enter Kadac, r. 

One. What has raised thee, friend, from thy couch, so soon > 
Kud. Oh! I have been to pay my morning tribute to our 
prophet king ; to beg his paternal blessing, and ask the assis- 
tance of his potent prayers. 

A'os. Prophet-king! well it's a strange mixture of trades. 
Most kings, I reckon, find enough to do without wandering^ 



28 WAZFwPPA. 

out at nights upon the mountain tops, counting the »tar», an^ 
seeking wondrous visions. 

One. Fie, Koscar! fie! how can you suffer your rude ton- 
gue to speak thus irrevently of him, whom all our tribes rever. 
Ever was Abder Khan a mild and gracious monarch ; but 
since that fatal time, when on the fields of Poland he lost his 
only son, his mind has taken a strange and solemn turn — he 
is inspired by the gods of Tartary— in wondrous visions, its 
future destiny's unfolded to his view, 

Kos. (c.) Visions, say you ? Oh ! T, too, see visions, if it 
come to that — This very morn, I have beheld a warning vis- 
ion — horrible ! most horrible ! 

lie. {n.c) Heavens! M'hat do you mean, Koscar? 

Kfls, Why, if my two eyes have the slightest knowledge of 
the business attached to their situation in my head, 1 have 
this very morning seen the Volpas. 

lie. You terrify me out of my senses, Koscar — what can 
you mean ? 

Kos, I saw him sitting, or rather lying, on a furious wild 
horse, that bore him with moie than lightning speed from 
rock to rock, o'er precipice, through stream, and plunged with 
}iim into the deep and foaming torrent of the Dnieper. 

Kad. (l. c.) Let us hasten to the Khan, and askhiscoun- 
sel ; for, by our old traditions, the appearance of the Volpas 
has ever been the harbinger of wretchedness to our 'J'artar 
tribes. 

Tie. Hark, hark! what mean those sounds'? 

Kad. It is the trampling of a furious steed. 

Kosl [Looking off, L. s. F..] Ay,; with more than mortal 
vigour. It is himself — the Volpas, the awful, the accursed, 
Volpas, who this way wings his flight. — Hence, sister, hence! 
the Volpas! the Volpas! Eieunt,in the utmost terror, n. 

JVIusic. — Enter the Wild Horse at full gallop, with Mazeppa, 

L. s. E. — he rushes across, and exits r. s. e. 

Enter Thamar, with Tartar Chiefs and Soldiers, s. 

T/ifl. I came to seek our king : knowest thou where 1 may 
Ifind him, gallant Zemba? 

Zem. Out king ? Our prophet, rather say, my chiefs 
7ha. Ay, doating driveller; when he must needs take up 
one character, 'twere well he had laid down the other — a war- 
like people are not to be ruled by a seer of visions. 



MAZEPPA. 29 

Zem, At least tliey get little by it. 

Tha. From a race of warriors we are descended to a nation 
of vile siiepherds ; living upon the scanty sustenance our 
herds afford, or labour can extort from our rude sterile soil. 
When has the spoil of any neigidjouiing people yielded glory 
to our arms, or booty to our soldiers ! Oh ! for the days when 
Polish and ilungarian wealth was the just prey of those 
wilose valoui' best deserved it ! 

Zem. No ; ever since he lost his infant son, he dreads the 
!very name of Poland. 

Tha. And spends his time in idle reveries, and superstitious 
dreams of inspiration. Not content to be obeyed, he likewise 
jwould be v/orshipped. 

Zem. So he is, almost, by the poor simple shepherds; but 
for us warriors 

Tha. You cannot but despise such drivelling imposture— 
you shall not longer be the victims of a cheat to whom your 
judgment never could be dupe. The hour is at hand when 
the Tartarian sceptre shall be snatched by an arm that's bold 
enough to seize, and strong enough to wield it. This very- 
day 1 will, in the name of our assembled tribes, demand that 
he proclaim his successor. There is but one he dare to name, 
and once pronounced his heir, he soon shall find 1 will not 
tardily await the enjoyment of the power already dropping 
from his doating hand. 

Enter hastily Kosgar and Kadac, r. 

Kos^ (k. c.) Help! help! saveine! save me! 

Zem. (c.) How, now? What ails the man { 

Kos. I've seen him! I've seen him! 1 am sure I have ! 

Zem, Whom have you seen idiot 1 

Kos. Why, the A'olpas, to be sure, the dreaded Volpas, 

Zem. Driveller! what mean you? 

Kos. I mean, my lord, that 1 believe the evidence of my 
own two eyes : I saw him on a horse about twice as big as an 
elephant, who leaped from one rock to another, a league a- 
part — the wirlwind of dust that he kicked up reached to the 
skies 

Tha. Dolt! weary not thus my patience ; but assemble 
your shepherd tribes here in the valley: our aged Klian has 
a revelation to make of the utmost importance — obey me quick- 
ly, and await your monarch's bidding. 

Kos, We shall do so, my lord — he is our friend and our 



30 MAZEPPA. 

protector ; and if any thing can oppose the ftiry o( the per- 
secuting demon, 'twill be the efficacy of his prayers. 

Thu. Ha! I see he approaches. Haste you to bring your 
comrades, whilst I asseiDble our choicest warriors to hear 
from his inspired lips the future destiny of Tartary, 

[Music. — Exeunt Thamar and Soldiers, l., Koscar, and 
Kadac, r. 



SCENE III. — The plains or Steppes of Turtary, bounded by 
rocky eminences, the last of a chain that separates it from Po- 
land — rockij pathwaifs, broken by cataracts, over which are 
thrown rude alpine bridges — and in the foreground are mar- 
shy plants, brushivood, and a few scattered trees. 

Music. — Shepherds discovered reposing, whilst their steeds 
are grazing. 

Enter Abder Khan, r. u. e, attended by Three Elders. 

Abd. [Stopping on one of the mountain eminences, r. c] Hail, 
glorious orb of day, that slowly rising from wide ocean's bo- 
som, sheddest thy bright beams over animated nature, awaking 
all its creatures into life, and chasing night's dark shadows 
far away : what fearful scenes those shadows have pourtrayed 
to my inspired vision. Portentuous horrors hanging thick 
around, menacing this devoted land with blood — ytt, even 
in my dream, a better star rose o'er our clouded fortunes, and, 
like the blessed sun, dispersed the gloom of horror, and spread 
light and peace around. 
[Music — He advances to the front, c, attended by ike Elders. 

First E. How fares our honoured master] What anxious 
cares have occupied his thoughts through the past night, and 
from his tent led his adventurous steps] 

Abd. Deep thoughts for my loved people's welfare: and, oh! 
in those wild regions I have visited, such mighty revelations 
from the skies have on my wrapped soul descended 

Second E. What means my honoured lord] 

Abd. Methought 1 saw a fair and lovely-bird, the very type 
of innocence and peace, wing its swift light through the ex- 
pance of heaven ; a dark and ravenous eagle darted forth, 
and quick pursued the aftVii^hted helpless wanderer, with 
eager haste and threatening talons. In its distress and woe, 
the persecuted wa ibler itouh shter in my bosom, whicU 



MAZfiPPA. 3i 

readily was open tq receive it; but the de3troyer even there 
assailed its destined prey, and struck its talons deep into my 
heart. 

First E. Yet be not cast down ; for threatened evils oftea 
pass away, nor shed one drop of bitterness on our protected 
heads. 

Ahd. Not for myself, I fear, but for my people ; for hope 
and fear to me have been denied since my loved child was 
lost. For larlary alone I live, and would it win her happi- 
aiess, for I'artary with eager joy I'd die. 

Second E. No, sire, no : yet live to bless thy people. 

Ahd. But in one hope 1 live, a hope tliou'lt say akin to 
•madness, but which the gods have planted in my sorrowing 
heart, and nourish still with those soft whisperings, breathed 
from the heavens above. I'hou sawest me in that hour, 
Olgar — thou sawest my gleaming scemitarhew down myriads 
of Polish foes, who had suri))ised our little camp ; when my 
infant was held within their grasp, how like a maddened lion 
my eager rage sought access to their phalanx's centre — once, 
once, I saw an uplifted dagger gleam against his throat, 
■Gods! how my steel, like the fell lightning's flash, struck 
through opposing numbers to that monster's heart. At once, 
I saved and lost him — hurried back by overpowered and re- 
treating hosts, I never saw my angel babe again. 

Second E. You yet believe he lives! 

Abd. I do, Idol in hallowed visions constantly I see him, 
my diadem encircling his brow — like a celestial halo does 
that blessed thought shed a bright gleam of comfort o'er my 
soul — with patience I await the hour, assured that I shall see 
it — Mazeppa shall return, shall be the joy of his long-sorrow- 
ing sire, and the glory of his rescued people. 

Rural Music heard at a distance. 

First E. See, sire, where the shepherd tribes approach, to 
lay their morning homage at your honoured feet. 

Abd. Be tlieir humble repast prepared ; their simple wants, 
at least, their king can yet supply, and to avert each threat- 
ened danger, they shall not need his prayers, 

[Music. — From a tent, r. s. e., the Elders set out bowls oj 
milk — the rural Music approaches. 
Enter a body of Shepherds, at the back, whilst Thamar and 
his warriors advance in the front, l. 

Tha. Soverign of Tartary,thy people, deeply sympathizing 



S2 MAZEPPA. 

with thy childish loneliness, have yet a care for their own 
future peace and happiness ; and, lest the sceptre, which iu 
the course of nature must soon drop from thy enfebled grasp, 
should prove a source of discord and disaster, they expect 
that thou wilt name one of thy chiefs whom thou deemest 
worthy to succeed thee on the throne. 

Aba. Doubt not I shall do my people justice — a solemn 
warning from above was last night whispered to my soul — 
yes, yes, I feel this very day the will of heaven siiall be de- 
clared, the name of my successor be breathed even from the 
skies — again 1 will entreat the gods in prayer — in yonder tent 
for a few moments beg again their blessing— do thou and all 
thy chiefs and people await me here — anon I will join you 
and proclaim my will. Doubt not, good Thamar, the succes- 
sor I shall proclaim will be one who will meet thine and all 
my people's approbation. [Retires among the rocks. 

Tha. {Aside.'] Ha! then the glorious prize, indeed, is mine- 
he dares not name another. Now to assemble all the chiefs 
and forces who are favourable to my views ; and, should the 
robber dare to murmur aught of discontent, we may crush, 
jail idle opposition, and awe them to obedience. 

Music. — Exeunt Tiiamau and Warriors, r. s, e. 

Kad, (l. c.) Well, as I have heard that music after meal s^ 
is good for digestion, suppose old Zelos here gives us the song" 
of the Volpas, whilst you, Koscar, accompany him on your 
pipe. 

Kos. (c.) What, that scng of the Wild Genius of the De- 
sert 1 — The very thought of it gives me an indigestion. 

Kad. Pshal childrens' tales! you can't believe what they 
say of the Volpas — I thought you had more sense. 

Kos. Believe! I don't believe, but I know it. It never 
appears but at the forewarning of wonderful events. The 
very mention of the terrible Volpas turns all the milk I have 
been drinking into vinegar. The ravager! the destroyer} — 
'iCome, come, no more talk, but the song of the Volpas. 

Music. — The pastoral groups form — Koscar mounts hillock 
C, and piaysupon his paudean pipes — three Shepherds sivg, 
the song with chorus, during which all the men and women 
ligureaheavy dance, almost without stirring from their 
places, icith extravagant movements of their heads and 
arms, terminating every time in grotesque and varied groups 



MAZEPPA. 33 

TARTAR SO^G. 

Across the wilds of Tartary there whirls a demon form, — 
His voice is not of this world, and mingles with the storm ; 
Through blasts of forked lightning his snorting courser dashes. 
And death and terror, as his guides, smile grimly with the 
flashes. 

Let the lovely shepherd maid, 
Most of all, his side evade. 
JIaste! haste! to your tents hasten back, 
A pursuer is in your track. 

Fly! fly! 
'Tis the Volpas that's coming, the Volpas is nigh. 
His black and fiery courser's mane stands bristled by the blast, 
And from his feet the dust in air is up in whirlwinds cast ; 
His wide and smoking nostrils dart before him fires of wrath ; 
And nothing that's of mortal born can live upon his path. 
Chorus and dance. Let the lovely shepherd maid, £cc. 

Oh, when that horse and rider come, the astonished earth and 

ocean 
Shake and shrink with terror at the martial commotion. 
Nature, as if she writh'd her last, heaves with the horrid pang. 
And trumpets shriek in the troubled air their war denouncing 
clang. 

Let the lovely shepherd maid, &c. 
{At the conclusion of the song, a storm comes on with' immensa 
fury. 

Shepherdess. There! see now! I thought what would come 
of such profane ditties: the devil is no person to be jested 
with. You have sung a song in his honor, and he is now 
coming to thank you for it — yes, yes, sure enough, tlie Volpas 
is at hand this time. 

^Music. — A univHrsal scream of horror nuis through the as. 
sembled multitude. 

Re-Enter Abdeu Khan, l. s. e. 

Abd. What means this wild alarm, my children? these 
screams of abject terror 1 

First Shepherdess. Ah, sire, save us, save us! an awful vi- 
sitation — the Volpas, the Volpas is at hand. 

Abd. Dismiss this idle fear, and dread no fiend but that 



34 MAZEPPA. 

•which vice has planted in the human heart. The voice of 
heaven now surely speaks in the thunder of the elements ; its 
awful secrets shall this day be known ; its pleasure and your 
future fate by my voice be declared; Chiefs and elders, at- 
tend to assist me in ray prayers ; do ycu my children, secure 
your steeds from the iury of the elements, Sound now your 
shells, and call them round you — let ihe seat of our armefl 
tribes be spread beneath the palm grove, where I, with our 
chosen priests and elders, may consult the niessenger of hea- 
ven, (aside.) Oh, if J dared believe the portentious throb- 
bing of this heaving breast— but, oh! the peace I'd fain m^ 
spire in them is stranger to my soul. 

(Exit uith the Elders, l. 
Kad. Koscar, call up the steeds affrighted and dispersed 
by the storm ; your sounding shells, pealing along the echoes, 
will bring them quickly around us. Wy friends, ascend to 
the mountain pastures and draw our flocks homewards to the 
valleys, for see, the storm increases. 

Music. — Tlie ShepJierds sound their horns, — their horses rush on 
from the adjacent pastures — Oiey mount them, and proceed in 
various directions. A large bcdq cj' them on foot ascend 
the inounlain eminence — as they ascend the rock, the storm re- 
doulles. When tltey reach the summit, u, the heavens pour 
forth a continuous stream, ofjire — the shepherds with a shriek 
of alarm, exclaiin, "The \olpas! the ^olpas!" and rush 
Jorward and throw themselves on their faces. The Wild 
Horse, with Mazeppa, is seen furiously pursuing his course 
among the mountains, crossing frst from h. to s.., backwards 
andjorwards over the range of liills, till he readies the front, 
and, as he is crossing from r. s. e. to i,. s. e., a thunderbolt 
falls and strikes a Jirtree, l., which falls among the brush- 
•wood, and hides him from view. The Shepherds all rise up, 
and rusli off in liorror, r, 
Maz, [Heard feebly exclaiming.] Helo! help! for heaven's 

sake, release me! 

Music. — Enter Oniliza, r., rushing forward in dreadful 
alarm. 

One. (l. c.) Ila, what a dreadful conflict of the elementsl 
Whither shall 1 seek for shelter ? Ah 1 in this thicket 1 may 
aud, perhatips, a moraeiUry refuge from the storm. (Music— 



i\IAZ£PPA. 37 

sfie turns aside some of the brushwood and the branches of the 
fallen tree, l., which presents to view Mazeppa, extended motion- 
less and apparently lifeless, upo)i, the body of the exhausted liorse.) 
What do I behold ! — A human being, apparently lifeless, yet 
bleeding, and bound by cruel thongs upon the body of a steed, 
•exhausted, dead, or dying. (Leaning over Mazi'])pa.) He 
moves ' he breathes ! Oh, may I, under heaven, be the hap- 
py means of affording him relief. (Loosenii^g the cords ivhich 
bind him.) I will unbind those blood-soaked cords, and plants 
of shootings virtues shall allay the anguish of their wounds. 
(Rises and gathers leaves.) Fiom this flask the cool refreshing 
stream shall shoot new vigor through his wearied frame. 

(Giving him drink from her water-bottle, and binding his 
loounds vnth leaves. 

Maz. (Rising up a little.) Ah! have the cords that bound 
my aching limbs at length bursted ? Save — save me ! or I 
die. (He sinks hack from exhaustion. 

One. Ah! He is not one of our tribes. Let me hasten to 
our Prophet Khan, whose mild benignant spirit will lavish 
more effectual succour than my w^eak aid can offer. 

Music. — Exit hastily, l. 

Re-enter some of the Shepherds, cautiously, r, s.e., and l. s. e. 

Kad. What meant that strange and fearful vision which, 
amidst the flashes of the storm, gleamed on our affrighted 
view? 

Kos. (l. c.) Why, what should it be but the Volpas, as I 
told you. Ah ! what do I behold ! — There lies the wild horse 
sunk in death, and on his back a form that seems like mortal. 

Kad. Perhaps it is a fellow creature. 

Kos. It must be the Volpas ; he's only taking a nap, and 
will wake up more savage than ever. I'll take care how I go 
nigh him. Back, the Khan approaches. 

Music. — Enter Abveu Khan, attended hy Oneiza, and 
followed hy Thamar and suite, l. 

Abd. Where is the wounded and exausted stranger ? Why 
stand ye idle and indifferent, when, perhaps, your cares might 
succour human woe 1 

Kos. Human woe! Oh, no, please your highness, it's no 
human woe, but that horrid inhuman beast, the Volpas. 

Abd. Assist me, friends, to raise the object of ourpity, and 



86 MAZEPPA. 

convey him to a timely shelter. [Music — The Shepherds re-" 
mnve the tree — the Khun advances, and bends over the body of 
Mazeppa, i.. c] Ah! what signs and characters now meet my 
sig-ht] Like the bright lighting's blaze, it flashes on my soul. 
[Hising, and advancing to Thamar.] Thamar, my friend, 
behold, and join with me in gratiude to heaven, A miracle 
has been wrought! Read, read, brave chief, those words of 
gladdenina power, — Mazeppa! Yes, mark thou that honour- 
ed word ; — it is my son! my son! my long-lost child, [Knee- 
ling.] Eternal heaven, receive an old man's thanks, nor suffer 
the full tide of joy to overwhelm my soul. 

Tha. [Apprnuching Mazeppa.] I mark the characters, my 
liege. May they not be the work of an imposter? 

Abd. [Approaching Mazeppa.] Saidst thou an impostor ? — 
This the triumphant answer : behold this jewelled star, the 
badge and emblem of our noble tribe ; myself, affixed it there; 
and, glittering now upon his bosom, it flashes sweet conviction 
on my soul. It is indeed my child. See, he revives — he 
moves! 

Maz. Loose those dreadful chords, I say. See, see the 
gushing stream that mingles with the flood is draining from 
my heart! V\ hy do those gnarling wolves howl on so hideous- 
ly ? They are upon us! — their ravening tusks tear off my 
flesh! Ha! that precipice, — that must be swift destruction! 
We reach its brink ! — Lost ! lost for ever ! 

[He again sinks hack in exhaustion, 

Tha. Methinks this wild delirium speaks ill for his recovery 

Abd. Peace, thou malignant fiend, whose withering breath 
would blast my new-born hopes ! See, the pallid hue of 
death now brightens into health. Raise him with care, and 
be he to yon foremost tent conveyed, henceforth the seat of 
royalty. 

Tha. (Aside, whilst the Assistants are raising Mazqipa on a 
litter.) Make not too sure of that. Delusion! miracle! im- 
posture ! — what it will, my hopes and high ambition are not 
to be o'erthrown thus by a single blow 

(Music. — Mazeppa is raised on a hier. 

Abd. (Pointing to the Wild Horss, which still lies extended on 
the earth.) That noble steed claims our assistance, too. Of 
mortal mould it cannot be, but the choice instrument of hea- 
ven to restore to Tartary a soverign, to a doating sire a long- 
o«t son. (The shepherds raise the horse,) Ye priests and people 
»»«e aloud 3 ow voi<^i^implor« of heaven it will not k»ve 



MAZEPPA. ar 

Us glorious work unaccomplished, but thai, restored td vigour 
toy son may bless alike his father and his people. 

[The Priests and People join in the chorous—the Khan, with 
a mixture of anxieti), tendey-nesSyand exultation, watches his, 
son— while Thamer, with his associates, aside, evince th^ir 
rage and disappointment, 

CHOUUS. 

Powers benignant, now look down, 
A father's hopes with mercy crown ; 
J^isten to a people's prayer, — 
Bless, oh, bless our tender care t 

Gracious powers, whom we adore 

Our future monarch now resore ; 

That our triumphant shouts may raise 

In songs of gratitudeand praise, ( The scene clomi 



SCENE IV.— A Tartarian Landscape, adjacent to the great 
Encampment, which is seen in the distance, 

Mvoic— Enter Thamar and Warriors, L. 

Tha. In vain does yonder hoary dotard dream his new- 
found fondling shall defeat my purpose and enjoy the throne. 
Too long have we been slaves, the groveling slaves of super- 
stition. You all have sworn to see your leader on the throne, 
nor can I fear the firm determination of such gallant warriors 
can be diverted by so poor an artifice. Will you uphold me 
still ? 

AIL We will ! we will •. 

Tha. 'Jhen am 1 still the sovereign of Tartary. For this- 
poor impostor,— my dagger shall quickly remove that trivak 
obstacle. To me the guard of the royal tent has- been con- 
fided. Soon will I teach the Prophet-Khan to know that 
his weak delusions can never turn from his affirmed resolve 
the unshrinking soul of Thamar. On to our puipose, war- 
riors. [Exeunt, K. 
D 



38 aiAZEPPA. 

SCENE V. — The Interior of a rude Tartar Tent, hung with 
characteristic arms and armour — on the flat, r. c. hangs a 
large metal Shield, used to strike signals on. 

Music. — Mazeppa discovered sleeping on a low pallet, the 
Khan watching over him with intense anxiety, l. c. — An Offi- 
cer in attendance, l. 

Abd. Let all our armed tribes, at earliest dawn, be assem- 
bled around my tent, that of the prince's first returning sense 
I may apprise them, and proclaim hira to my people. [Exit 
Officer through tent, R. c. F.] Sleep on, my boy, and oh! may 
the repose which now envelopes thy faculties in death-like 
calm, like heaven-descended dews, revive thy energies in 
vigour and in health. The camp is silence all, save where 
the trusty sentinel paces his little round. The tent is guarded 
by my choicest warriors, but here thy father shall maintain 
his post, and, till thy slumber breaks, thy foremost safeguard 
be thy father's heart. 

[He lies down on a couch, l. c, 7iear Mazeppa, and shortly 
falls asleep. 

Enter Thamar and two Conspirators, cautiously, n.c. f. 

Tha. Thanks to the guard [ chose for their protection, our 
entrance hither has been easy and noiseless. Fate favours 
our design. They sleep. Myself will strike the blow ; my 
dagger's thirsty for the stripling's blood. 

[He approaches the couch of Mazeppa. 

Maz. l_In his sleep.] Off, tyrant, off! thy bonds shall not 
withhold me ; the energies of such a soul as mine shall burst 
thy puny cords, and, in the power of vengeance, I shall 
stand terribly before thee, 

TJta. Heraves — he wakes — back, back: delay our purpose, 
till returning slumber render it secure from all alarm. 

Music, — Thamar and Conpirators retire, r, 

Mas. [Awaking.] Still do those cruel lashings press upon 
my flesh, and eat into my bone— ah ! this limb is free — so are 
all. [He rises and advances to front, c] Again 1 stand erect, 
again assume the godlike attitude of freedom and of man. 
Though weak and tottering, still these lirabs are freed from 



MAZEPPA. 39 

falling bonds, and own no tyrant's chain— where can I be? 
ly confused ideas and broken memory serve not to recall the 
incidents of the past hour— something I do remember of a 
venerable form, that hung in pity o'er my prostrate wretched- 
ness, and with compassion's tears did wash my wounds. [He 
traverses the tent and looks out at the opening, r. c] The can- 
opy of heaven, studded with glittering fires, spreads its broad 
expanse around ; and, by their light, long avenues of tented 
habitations show that I am treading on the field of war— Ah ! 
at that bless'd idea, ray soul swells high, my energies are 
strung with new-recovered vigour, and 1 feel suflicent yet to 
conquer my own glory.— Let me observe ; and lest around 
this friendly shelter malice should lurk, or any hostile arm. 
[Seeiug a shield and iword hanging up.] Thou friendly steel, 
I'll borrow thy assistance. 

Mvsxc.—He takes down the sword and shield, and goes ont at 
the back of the tent, r. c. f.— Thasiau and the Conspira- 
tors advance from r. 

Tha, Another, and a surer plan has glanced across my 
mind. The Khan himself shall perish^ the crime, charged 
on this new-found stranger, hurls him at once to irretrievable 
ruin, and who can then dispute the throne with Ihamar"? 

Abd. (^Awaking.) My boy! my child! where art thou? 
Misery and despair! sure, treason is abroad. (Rises and 
comes forward.) Thou here, Thamar, at this unwonted hour? 
The truth at once flashes upon my honor-stricken soul. Per- 
nicious miscreant! thou hast destroyed my chdd. 

Tha. Thy child, fond dotard! the easy dupe thou art to 
yonder rash impostor, proves thee unfit to reign. Think not 
the destiny of Taitary is thus to be surrendered to thy child- 
ishness, or yon adventurer's, audacity — the chiefs of iaitary 
would have a warrior king ! 'tis me they have selected. And, 
ere 1 snatch, somewhat too rudely, perhaps, the tottering crown 
that trembles on thy aged brow, wisely surrender it. 

Abd. To thee, insidious monster? JNever ! 1 have now an 
feeir to prop the drooping glories of my house ; and ere I 
would surrender one title of his just rights, traitor, thou shouldst 
feew me piecemeal! Least of all would 1 abandon my be- 
loved people to .the ambitious fury of such a wretch as thou 
.art. 



40 MAZEPPA. 

Tha. Yet, ere our daggers drain thy aged veins of all their 
poor remains of life, be wise and yield — affix thy seal to this 
parchment, renouncing all title to the throne, and stamping him 
thou callest thy son, a foul impostor : this do and live — and 
ph! be sure thy death is but the prelude to that foundling 
boy's, who never shall dispute with me the crown. 

Abd. Your threats I scorn. The spirit that has often led 
me on to victory, shall nerve me still, nor do 1 dread to meet 
a host of coward traitors, such as Thamar. 

{Snatches tip a sword, and places himself in an attitude of 
defence, t. c. 

Tlia. Thou hast pronounced thy doom. (Music. — The Khan 
rushes towards the entrance of the tent, as if to strike the shield 
— as he does so, on a signal from Thamar, two other comiprators 
rush forward, meet him, and drive him hack.) Each sword that 
gleams around is sworn to do my bidding. 

Abd, Thy king defiies thee, still ; I strike for my own right 
and for my boy's, and heaven will assist my arm. 

[Music. — Thamar and one other Conspirator rush on him, the 
other two guarding the entrance to the tent, and keeping the 
curtain down — after a short contest, the Khan is oierpowered, 
and falls — Thamar and his confederates stand over him with 
uplifted weapons — during this, a sort of struggle has been per- 
ceived at the entrance of the tent, as of some one endeavouring 
to force their way in, which is successfully resisted by the Tar- 
tars placed there — at the moment lohen Thamar and the Con- 
spirators are on the point of striking their weapons to the heart 
of' the Klian, the tent is slit up in another place by a sword, and 
Mazeppa darts through the opening with his sword and shield, 
anditundsin a protecting attitude over the prostrate Khun, 

Maz. Cowards and villians! theguarb of Tartar warriors, 
and two of you against an aged feeble man! he, too, whose 
kindness rescued me from death, and soothed my sufferings. 

Music. — The four conspirators now furiously attack the Khan 
and Mazeppa — in the course of the conflict several interesting 
pictures are formed by the mutual e^'orts of father and son to 
save each other-" they overpower the con<tpirutors. 

Tha. Yet do I laugh thy power to scorn, for hundreds now 

without await but my nod to shed their life blood in my cause. 

Abd. Millions will strike in mine. {Strikes the shitld with his 



MAZEPPA. 41 

sword— the curtains of the tent are drawn up, and the whole Tar- 
tar army is discovered in battle arrai/.) Tartars, behold the 
the traitor who has sought your soverign's life. (A partu of 
Guards seize Thamar and his cnnjederates.) Away with them to 
punishment. (They are taken back.) And now, young hero, in 
the aged man you have preserved, embrace and own°a fond, a 
doating father. 

Maz. A father ! ha! does that sacred sound, like heaven- 
descending dews, speak comfort to my heart! 

(Embraces the Khan. 

Abd. No longer must the glad, the important task be now 
delayed. Assembled Tartars, priests, warriors, people — be- 
iiold and mark me : in this brave youth, who has even now 
Raved your sovereign's life, know and revere Mazeppa, my 
long^ost only son, your soverign prince— hail my boy, Mazep- 
pa, Kiag of Tartary. ^ ^ ^ 

{All kneel before Mazeppa— general shout. —Music. — Mazep- 
pa is conducted off, u—the curtains of the tent fall— the 
Khan motions his officers to assemble the people — thevi go out 
in various directions— the elders bring him his shield and 
staff of o^ce., — Exeunt Abder Khan and Attendants, ex- 
vUivgly, L. i' 



SCENE VI. — Eitensix^e Tartar Encampment. 

Mcsic.'-The whole Tartar army, with theii- Chiefs, assembled. 

Ettter the Khan, t., leading on Mazeppa, tto c. — the People 
kneel and receive him with acclamaiions. 

Miiz. ( Whose suprise has been momentary increasing.) I King 
of Tartary! where am 1 ?— what has happened ! — After a 
doom beyond expression awful— bound to a wild horse — 
whirled o'er torrents, deserts, precipices — on all sides, danger 
and destruction— I ceased to feel. — Have 1 then passed the 
realm of death? and do I wake to new life and otiier being ? 
I find myself fre^ beneath a strange sky, a prostrate people 
hailing me their iung— say, say, do 1 dream -do 1 still exist? 

Abd. (l. c.) Heaven has restored thee to thy native land, 
and to the throne which thou wast born to fill. Rei'>n o'er 



42 MAZEPPA. 

thy land, which welcomes thee, Mazeppa ; be powerful, and 
be happy. 

Maz. (c.) Happy! I happy without my loved Olinska, 
never, ah! never. — I renounce glory Olinska shares not. If 
it indeed be true that heaven, by some unwonted miracle, has 
brought me back to my native land, amid my brethren — that 
it has called me to rule o'er them, too, 1 but accept the sove- 
rign sway to right their wrongs and mine— to retrieve the 
honor of the nation, wrecked on the fields of Poland— to hurl 
swift vengeance on our foes, and rescue my dear Olinska. 

Abil. If thy love be worthy of your love, then head our 
tribes and tear her from thy rival — a long arrear of vengeance 
does my soul count against Polish foes ; and to the dread 
amount, how awful an increase thy wrongs, my child, inspire. 
For thee and for thy cause again I'll strike ; this aged arm 
shall bear the warrior's steel, and perhaps I yet may fall in 
shielding thee. 

Maz. Thou shalt behold and share my joyous triumph — I 
fight for my Olinska and my love. 

Abd, I, for my much-loved child and my revenge. Behold 
the steed, fated by heaven to bring you to your native land and 
throne, again awaits you ; he bore you to my arms — let him 
now bear you to your triumph. 

Muz, He was the instrument of torture, — let him now be 
the messenger of vengeance. On to the Polish frontier; I 
cannot know repose whilst my Olinska's fate's uncertain — I 
can feel no glory till from a rival's power I've conquered her, 

Abd. Then, with to-morrow's dawn the march begins. 
Drive all our cattle within the lines— be every soldier ready 
at his post ; for ere two suns have set behind those Polish 
mountains, our force shall beneath the tyrant's wall make him 
to tremble in his strong hold of power, and rue the day he in- 
jured child of mine — 

Away! away! 

Eager we seek the foe at dawn of day. 

(Mtrsrc— i4 superbly caparisoned steed has been led on firr 
Mazeppa, another for the Khan — they mount—-a general 
parade and movement of the army takes place, ov. which the 
drop fa Us. 

EN» or ACT n« 



ACT ill. 



■SCENE I.— A Gothic Chamber in the Castle (f the Castellan, 
in Poland. 

Music. — Olinska discovered, pale ami dejected, seated at a 
rich toilet, attended by a female. 

OH. Bid my nurse come to me. [Eiit Attendant, l.] The 
victim's adorned not for the altar, but the tomb. [Rises and 
advances.] This day is the last whose light will shine on th^fi 
poor Olinska. [She approaches the toilet and moves a little cas- 
ket, concealed beneath the draperij, opens it, and takes out a per-, 
trait, on which she gazes with the liceliest emotior}] Cassimir 
my beloved — murdered — mangled, can I, ought I to surviv 
thy horrid death? [Takes from the casket a dagger, which she 
pushes from her with a shudder.] Oh, my father! oh, my father! 
your threaten'd curse! — Father, I have given you my oathfo 
be the bride of Premislas; my oath shall not be broken — the 
honour of our house exacts the sacrifice. [Takes the dagger and 
hides it in her dress.] One awful means is left of obedience 
and fidelity — yes, this night, this very night, restores me to 
my lover, ia the tomb. [Placing her hand upon the dagger. 

Enter Agatha, l. 

Aga. See, lady, where your father comes. 

Olin. Quickly conceal that packet, and wonder, nurse, at 
Ihy Olinska's fonitude-^her apathy ; that she who loved and 
as I did Cassimir, can yield obedience to his rtithless murder- 
er — can yield my hand unto his haughty rival. 

Music— Enter the Castellan, l. — Agatha conceals the 
casket. 

Cast. Olin^a, your imprudence might hate caused the ruin 
of your father ; but Count Premislas, restored to life, has 
tieemed the act of Cassimir merely a presumptuous vassal's 
crime, without your sanction. But the pretender has been 
punished. And now, Olinska, 1 trust I may confide in your 
entire submission. 



44 MAZEPPA* 

Oiin. Implicitly. 

Cast. That pledge disarms my wrath — my child, the past- 
is all forgiven, forgotten — come to thy father's arms, who now" 
can call thee once again his daughter. 

(As she is dropping on her knees, he catches her to his bosom.^ 

Olin. Father! 

Cast. My child, my dearest child, may heaven's peace at- 
tend thee. 

Olin. May thy prayer be heard, my father : ere long, thy 
child will cease to suffer. {Trumpets heard without, l. 

Cast. Hark thee, my child ; yon trumpets speak the bride- 
groom ready, the cortege prepared. Throughout my castle's- 
precincts, this day all wears one universal face of joy. 

Olin. (c.) All except dne — that one whose feelings lie too 
deep for utterance* My father, once again extend thy arm 
in blessing o'er thy child. 1 leave thee, my sole parent, per- 
haps forever — oh! in the journey I'm about to take, gloomy 
and dark it may be, let me receive the sacred consolation 
that a father's blessing shall attend his child. 

Cast. Heaven for ever bless thee, sweet Olinska! Come, 
come, my child, away with thoughts of gloom : share thou 
the triumph which on every side courts thy acceptance. 

Olin. Father, again thou bless'd me ; I can bear it all. 
[Music. — They embrace and exeunt, Olinska, r., Cast., l. 



SCENE II. — A Hall in the Castle of Laurinski. 

Music — Ejiter Dromnsro, l. 

Dro, lam clean an altered man. I feel myself already' 
puffed up and swelling with my new dignity, even as I hope' 
ere long my body shall be stuffed and swelled with the per- 
quisites of office. I was a huntsman — I am a cook. — I'll 
never look another live head of game in the face again — I'll 
commit no murder on hares, pheasants, bears, stags, and par- 
tridges more. — No ; I'll leave off executioner, and be a kind 
of an undertaker — that is, I'll dress them up in a proper man- 
ner to be sent to their graves, the throats of gormandizers. 

Ejiter Zemila, l. 
Zem. Ah ! Mr. Drolinska, you look quite a diffecent persort 



from what you used to be. 



MAZEPPA. 46 

Dm. And I am a different person, too, Mrs. Zemila : know 
that I am placed at the head of the victualing depaitment— 
that I am cliiet' officer of the mouth, and general purveyor for 
the belly — I've got you all iiuder my thumb, now; only look 
as I would net hr.ve you , and 1 clap you all on short allowance 
— ofiend me, and the soup's all turned over — insult my dig- 
nity, and all the fat's in the fire. 1 shall astonish you all. 

Zem. No absurdity thac you can commit can possibly aston- 
ish me. 

Dw^ Oh! I'm a clever fellow at noseing out a good thing. 
There was I, early this morning, wandering out into the wood 
beyond the castle, my teeming brain on fire with the grand 
tievices which this day shall produce— what should I meet 
with, but a groop of wandering Tartars ; I've engaged them 
to come to the festival — what do you think of that, now? 

Zetn. Why, that my lord will break your head, and have 
you kicked out of the place — you know he hates the very 
name of Tartar, 

Dio. These are jovial fellows, innocent as Iambs; for a 
mouthful of broken victuals they'll dance such dances, and 
show us such singular manoeuvres and evolutions— 1 mean it 
to be the principal feature of the whole festival. AikI now 
.what do you think of me in my new robe of office ? 

Zem. Why, I've heard that line feathers make fine birds; 
but, my poor Drolinsko, though decked out with all ,the pliu 
mage of the peacock, you can't prevent us from finding out 
that you are but a s'orry jackdaw, 

Dro. Well, miss, at any rate, you're a pretty good resem^- 
blance of a magpie. — Come, 1 think that was'nt so much 
amiss of me — she'll find that it's awkward playing with edged 
tools. 

Zem. Edged tools, indeed ! — tool ithou aiit, my poor fellow, 
to any one who thinks it worth while to handle th^but as to 
«dge — bless thy harmlessness — thy wit, Drolinsko,, is quite as 
blunt as thy manners. — but I must away, to attend my lady's 
.toilet, and prepare her for the ceremony — but now, my good 
Drolinsko, let me beg of thee one thing? 

Dro. Any thing in life, lovely Mrs. Zemila: is it that I 
shall reserve a good place for you to see the sports! 

Zem. No: 'tis simply this, Drolinsko, that thou wilt not, if 
thou canst help it, make thyself so monstrously ridiculous as 
to .occasion me to die with laughing. [^'^« i" 



46 AlAZEPPA. 

Dro. That young woman has some good points about hcr» 
but she is marvellously deficient in politeness. 

Music. — Enter Abder Khan, Mazeppa, and a Tartar 
Chief, in close disguise as Tartar peasants, l. 

Dro. Well, now you've filled your bellies, I hope it has re- 
lieved your imaginations. 

Miiz. 1 rust us sir, we do not need excitement. 

Dro. Well, now, 1 suppose you've made up your minds to 
do something a little out of the way on this occasion? 

Abd. Be sure, we shall astonish you. 

Dro. Weil, so do, 1 like to be astonished ; and on this oc- 
casion I wish every thing to be new and uncommon. 

Mas. You shall witness one of the strangest sights that has 
for many a long day regaled your curiosity. 

Dro. 1 should like the very walls to caper. 

Chief. Caper! they shall fly. 

Dro. Come, come, none of your nonsense now, you are 
going too far — I'm not so soft as all that comes to. 

Abd. 'Tis necessary you should furnish me with the key of 
the great gates — my two comrades here I leave with you— I 
will hasten to rejoin the rest — hold ourselves in readiness, 
adjacent to the castle, and on your signal rush forward to effect 
the grand tableau. 

Dro. I'll go ond fetch you the key ; you're a jolly old blade, 
you are, too — no chicken — but there seems stuff in you yet. 
I'll be with you again in the spitting of a partrige. Exit, r, 

Maz. (c.) Haste thou to our bands, good father — marshal 
them in yonder forest, and when I give the signal, let them, 
like a mountain torrent, rush, o'erwhelming all resistance, 
to the aid of those that are within. 1 will be on the spot ; 
and, at tl# moment when the perjured fair would offer her un^ 
haIlo.ved vows upon the sacred aitar, my steel shall drink the 
life-blood of them both, and their mingled gore proclaim the 
vengeance of my outraged love. {Mvsic heard without.) See, 
see, where the traitress comes — down, down, struggling spirit 
— the moment of thy triumph is not yet arived. 

Enter Drolinsko, n, 

Dro, Back, fellows, back — -see where the bride approaches. 



MAZEPPA. 47 

Music— Ejiier OLiysKA, attmded by Agatiia, jrrecededhy 
RuDzoLOFF, and followed by Attendants, n. 

Aga. (r. c.) Cheerly.cheeily, lady ; this is not (he counte- 
nance you should exhibit on your bridal morn; 

Olin. (c.) It well befits a bridal such as mine; my hopes 
are buried in another,s tomb — soon, soon may I go seek him 
there. 

Aga. But this dejection scarce fulfils your promise to your 
father — all was to be submission. 

Olin. It is submission, nurse — subrftlssion I have learned 
by trampling on every feeling of my heart. I shall obey my 
father — let him not require more than 1 can perform. 

Dro. [Approaching Oliuska.] Lord Ibve your beautiful lady- 
ship, you'll be delighted when you see the preparations for 
the fete, solely contrived by me, Drolinsko. Why, it's v/oith 
while being married, if only to see such a tasty set-out — 
you'll be half inclined to love me for the cultivated fancy I 
have displayed. 

Bud. (l.c.) Who are those strangers? 

Dro. Ah! that's another of my contrivance!?, that you'd 
never suspect, godfather. Those, why those, bless you, are 
Avandering Tartars, introduced by me. 

jRi/t/. 'Jartars! introduce Tartarshere! why, H's more than 
your head's worth — let but the Castellan know it._ 

Dro. Ay, it's plain to see you're a fellow of no pith and en- 
terprise. He may think what he likes about Tartars, bul if 
these fellows don't caper him into good-humour, he's a sulkier 
dog than I take him for. 

Lud. Doubt not that we will overcome all his displeasure. 

Maz. [Approaching Olinska^ c] Deign you, fair lady, tol 
cast an eye of approbation and encouragement. 

[He is close to her— she turns to look at him— he thrdws aside 
part of his disguise, so that she recognizes him. 

Oiin. [With a scream of astonishment.] Cassimer! [All start, 
mrprised — he hastily resumes his disguise and Olinska by a 
great effort, an appearance of composure .] Cassimer, some time 
a page of this household, was acoantryman of yours 1 believe. 

Maz. Belike, fair ladv, 1 do bethink «ie of a tale of a poor 
Tartar lad, bred up in polish climes, who rashly loved a lioble 
lady— 'twas a fault in him, but oh! who ever looked upon 
that fair one's beauty and her worth, must have forgiven him. 



48 MAZEPPA. 

knowing that to see and not to love was sarcely possible' 
Her father found it in him a crime not to be pardoned, and 
sentenced him to a most cruel death. 

Olin. [Mutterliiir.y^ It was, indeed, most horrible. 

Maz. I3y a miracle he was saved, and like the Polar needle,- 
true to his first affection, back he rushed, impatient still tO' 
lay his homage at the adored one's feet. But, oh ! death- 
blow to his hopes! torture more cruel than all before he'd 
suffered, he found her perjured, faithless, voluntarily about to 
give her hand unto another. 

Olin. Ah\ had he known her tears, her anguish, the silent 
calm despair with which, unable to resist, she yielded to her 
parent's harsh commands, enforced under the penalty of his 
awful curse — how like a victim to the sacrifice she did approach 
the alter, — he would not, could not, dare not, to condemn her. 

Mciz. Had she, then, no remedy to save herself from such 
accursed pollution"? 

Olin. Yes, and a noble one : which, rather than betray 
her first fond vows, she's resolute to clutch at 

[Druusa dogger from her bosom, and shows it IoMazepva. 

Maz. [With a hurst of triumph.] Ha! she was a heroine 
worthy a soverign's love. 

[The attention of the bystanders is excited — Mazeppa and 
Olinska are compelled to control their feelings. 

Bro. Zounds! this Tartar gipsy has contrived to astonish 
tny lady already. 

Ahd. The tales of our country have a wild and wondrous 
force, well calculated to awaken the feelings thus. 

Bud. Your pardon, lady, — had we not better on? 

Olin. I attend you, Rudzoloff. 

Maz. (Aside to OLiysK A.) Doubt not, fair lady, all shall 
be accomplished : your smallest wish most scrupulously obeyed .- 

(Music— E.nf O1.1SSKA, p'ecededby Rudzoloff, and sup- 
ported by Agatha, l., exchanging significant glances with 
Mazf.ppa. 

Dro. Now, mind, you fellows, be at your posts. 

Muz. The dearest feelings of our hearts are pledged to be so** 
(Exit Drolinsko, I..) Ah, father, what a weight's removed 
from off my heart ; Olinska yet is mine— your son shall ye! 
be happy. 



MAZEPPA- 49 

Ahd. He shall, he shall! — Oh, to attain that end, how joy- 
fully thy father would shed his latest crimson drop 

(I'key embrace and eietuit, Abder Khan r., Mazeppa l. 



SCENE III. — The Gardens of Laurinski, closed in the back 
bif terraces, the last of which is entered, l. through a spa- 
cious gate of golden bars — its other end communicates uith a 
wood-— the whole extent is bounded on the i.. bit the buildings 
of the Castle — from the topmost terrace, near the great gate, 
a spacious fiight of steps, l. which leads down to the stage. 

Music — Enter Mazeppa, l. — he advances cautiously, ascends 
the steps, and beckons on Abder Khan, who advances from the 
building, l. u. E. 

Mas. Now, honored father, how speeds the glorious work ? 

Abd. Even as should the deed on which depends thy happi- 
ness. Our troops are all at hand, and eager for the attack. 
Yes, ray son, thy triumh is assured — here, on the haughty 
despot's battlements he shall surrender thee thy love, or thou 
shalttear her from his arras, amidst their blackened ruins. 

Maz. All is prepared for the ceremony — I will be on the 
spot. Do thou, with our bands, at the signal, like thewirl- 
wind,s blast, sweep opposition into dust. {The music of the 
procession is heard.) They come, they come! — Oh, father! on 
this hour, on which my more than life depends, ray anxious 
soul, fluttering within my breast, almost denies me utterance, 
and eager expectation swells my heart to bursting. 

Abd. Thy father and thy people shall not fail thee; — 
But whether weal or woe attend our plan, 
Thou'rt a soverign. — show, too, thou art a man. 

Music. — Abder Khan retires vp the steps and along the ter- 
race, n. 6th E. — the nuptial procession advances from the 
building, l., through the great gate and down the steps — it 
is composed of the entire household of the Castellan, headed 
by Drolinsko — Rudzoloff immediately precedes Olimka, 
who is led by the Castellan and Premislas, and followed by 
Agatha — they come down. c. — the Guards banners &c^ 
countermarch, and form on the r, side and on the terraces 



50 MAZEPPA. 

—the nuptial party sit cni a throne, l., siirrouvdedby their 
Attendants — on a signal from Drolinsko, a tribe of Tartar 
Yout)is and Maidens appear on the vpper terrace and de- 
scends ihe stairca.se, i.. 

MILITARY CHARACTERISTIC BALLET, 

[At the conclusion of the ballet, a small altar is placed on the 
lower terrace, c. — the Friest advances from 3rd e. l, toe, 
— 0/t»4/ca, led by Fremislas and the Castellan, approachei 
theaUar — the Priest commences the ceremony, when Mazeppti 
still disguised, appears suddenly on the terrace, and thrusts 
the Priest aside. 

Maz, (c.) Hold! I forbid such sacrilegious vowjs ! they are 
ofiensive in the sight of heaven. This maid, in heart and 
spirit, and by long previous vows, breathed from the very bot- 
tom of her soul, is mine; and any other union, by tyranny 
accomplished, is perjury, pollution. 

[Ca>'tellu)i, Olinska, and Premislas, are all c. 

Cast. What insolent intruder dares thus to break, with bar- 
barous scoffings, on our solemnity "{ 

Ma2. (c.) One whom thou shouldst remember. Tyrant, 
behold thy victim. [Throws off his diiguiie. 

All. Cassimir! 

Maz, Cassimir, ^Nlazeppa, one — thy vengeful tyranny but 
doomed me to my glory ; the wild horse bore me to the throne 
of Tartary: and now, Mazeppa, King of Tartary, proudly 
returns to claim his early love. 

Cast. ('u. c.) Impostor! barbarian! traitor! wert thou the 
king of half the eastern world, the scorn in which 1 hold thee 
were not lessened. Bear him away! aMeath more certain 
this time punishes his presumption. 

[Music— 5()/ne of the household advance to seize Cassimir—^ 
the Tartar Youths and Maidens jorm a rampart in front of 
him, and the Khan, followed by Tartar Soldiery, who oc* 
cxtpy the upper terrace, appears at the head of the staircase, 

Abd Stay, monsters^, stay your uplifted hands! — Let but 
one hair of his head be injured, and your castle quickly is a 
heap of ruins, soaked in your blood, for every soul shall perish. 
Your castle is invested — on every tower, buttress, and pinna- 
cle, c'.ings a Tartar, iwatiog but my word, when havoc is let 



MAZEPPA. 51 

loose, and fierce destruction ravages half Poland. Speak but 

one word, and let Olinska be the pledge of peace. 

Pre. [Advancing J rom L. to c] I will not wait to hear the 

Castellan's answer— Olinska is my bride-in sight of heaven 

my wife ; my troops now man these walls, and to my last red 

drop I will defend her. 

Muz. Then be revenge and slaughter our word! and let 

devastated Poland speak Mazeppa mounted to the throne of 

Tartary. 

[The Polish trocrpsiit the garden fire at the Tartars on the ter~ 
races— the latter charge down the steps— a general coufiict 
ensues— a charge of Tartar cavalry is made along the upper 
terrace— thry are met by the Poles, issuing jrom Ihe prin- 
cipal portal— the attendants endeavour to force Olinska 
throwrh the tumult into the cattle — the cavalry appear in 
front'' and after skirmnhing of on both sides, a charge la 
line,'from l. to u., is eiecutul by the Tartars— the Jiont 
then becomes occupied bn pairs of combatants— Abder Khan 
is on the point of cuiting down the Cad>llan, when Olinska 
rushes in and interposes— she is followed by Mazeppa, to 
whom the Castellan resig»s her, -which is the pledge oj peace 

Premislus has he2n meantime overcome by a Tartar war - 

rior, and the Poles altogether vamjuished-^Abder Khan, 
MeZf-ppa.the Castellan, and Olinska hasten to mount the 
steps, to slop the slaughter, and on the topjorm a group— 
the females ling the terraces— subdued Polesand triumphant 
Tartars fill the scene, which is lighted by the confiugration 
of the forest — and on the general picture the curtain Jalli, 



XHS SNO 



Just Published, and tor sale by 

C, Robinson^ 59 Canal Street, 
TUKlVER's ACTINO EDITIONS i 

Or, THE FATHERS GRAVE. 

A PLAY, BY JAMES SHERIDAN KKOWLES, 



THE H1JIV€HBA€K, 

WILLIAM TELL, 6i VIRGINIUS. 



&m^U'St^ ®s3ai^y* 



THE TWO THOMPSONS. 

A TUAGEDY, 

By MISS FANNY ANN KEMBLE, 

AMBROSE GWINETTf 

Or, A SEA SIDE STORY, by the Author of 

THE RENT DAY. 



THE ELEPHAN-T OF SXAIH, 

This Piece abounds in incident and humor, and is very 

superior to any Drama published within 

the Jast Twenty Years. 



THE SPOII^EP CHILD. 



THE TWO GREGORIES. 



Dramatised from Cooper's celebrated Novel. 

DAMiON & PYTHIAS, 

A FARCE. 

THE GAMESTER. 



4llNE£HORX!. 
FORTrrVES' FROLIC. 

RICHARD THE THIRD, 

With Cibber's Notes, and the whole of the Stage Business^ 



ALONZo & imooirvE. 



TOUCH AND TAKE. 

GREENEYED MONSTER. 

BOMBASTES PURlOSO. 



PlZARRO. 



OTHELLO. 



ROMEO AND JULIET. 



HOW TO DIE FOR LOVE, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 525 910 1 



